Chaotic start to public inquiry

When the inquiry opened before 47 anxious residents in the council chamber s public gallery, around 200 more were jostling outside in the rain unable to cram in.

Within seconds, residents inside were clamouring for the inquiry to be transferred to a larger venue to accommodate those waiting outside.

Safety regulations restrict numbers in the chamber s public gallery to around 45.

Before the inquiry was arranged, the council had a list of 83 residents who had expressed an interest in it, plus the 350-strong Penland Wood Community Association.

A council planner said: "We totally underestimated the crowd."

Government inspector, Charles Hoile, chairing the inquiry, called for officers to count the number braving the downpour, so he could decide whether to the council should switch venues.

Officers suggested the dwindling crowd now totalled 50 and that the new venue should be the De La Warr. The crowd outside was duly told to reconvene at the De La Warr on Wednesday at 11 am for the all-important inquiry opening.

After most of the crowd dispersed, officers realised the De La Warr was already booked and the date and venue for the opening were switched to Tuesday, 1.30pm at St Peter s Community Centre.

The crowd in the public gallery vented its disapproval of Rother council s handling of the inquiry.

Many told the Observer they thought the arrangements were shambolic and the council should have known better than to try to use the relatively small council chamber.