We have been working very hard over the past few weeks, submitting our statements of case, evidence and now rebuttals prior to the inquiry starting on the 21st January 2025.
Legal Representation
Thanks to your hard work, fundraising and donating to our fighting fund, we have achieved our funding target for this round. We have appointed legal representation from Francis Taylor Building to represent SMG and LMPC. Anna and Sam have been working tirelessly over the last 2 months building our case against Dido, sacrificing precious family time over the festive period to lead the fight.
The Public Inquiry
The Inquiry is scheduled to start on the 21st January 2025, 10 AM at Albert House, Queen Victoria Rd, High Wycombe, HP11 1BB and is scheduled to last for 17 days. There is however a chance that the duration may well be extended once the inquiry starts. Buckinghamshire Council has set up a dedicated web page, so the public have access to all documentation submitted to the Inquiry. We will publish the detailed agenda nearer the time.
Public Speaking
As this is a Public inquiry anyone has the right to speak, at the allocated time, at the Inspector’s discretion. Unlike the Strategic Sites Committee meeting this is NOT limited to 3 minutes, however Buckinghamshire Council have asked people to register if they wish to speak by emailing PRIOR to 5 PM on Tuesday 14th January 2025. Public speaking is scheduled for Wednesday 22nd January in the evening – time TBC. Any previous written submissions, will be considered by the Inspector, so please ensure that, if you do speak, you are no restating points already raised. If in doubt, please contact one of the SMG trustees for advice.
Attending the Inquiry
Dido will, no doubt, be bussing in supporters from far afield, so your presence at the inquiry is more than welcome and encouraged, even if it is just for a few hours. Please note that there will be limited parking, so please park in town and consider car sharing where possible. Please remember that this is a formal inquiry and the general public attending must be respectful and only speak at times allocated. If you are planning on attending, Buckinghamshire Council have asked that you email them to let them know, even if you are not planning to speak. If you cannot attend in person, the inquiry will be live-streamed at www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/marlow-film/.
The outcome
The outcome of the inquiry will be a report and recommendation by the inspector to Angela Raynor MP, who will ultimately make the final decision. This decision will not be likely to be published for some months. We will be encouraging all SMG supporters to write personally to Ms Raynor, but we are advised that we should hold off until the file is “on her desk”. We will keep you informed and advise when this should be done.
Further Fundraising
We continue to raise funds for our PR campaign. We appreciate that you have all given money and time already, but further donations are needed, especially if the inquiry is extended, so please donate.
Should you have any question or queries, please contact us.