From the Waterfront Action Group:

Following an investigation into a package of rights of way claims around the Docks area submitted by Suffolk Rights of way Ltd, a detailed report was presented to the Rights of Way Committee in March 2009. The Committee resolved to make 5 orders which were made on 14 July 2009 and several objections subsequently received.

Following submission of the orders and objections to the Planning Inspectorate a 6 day public inquiry has been arranged, commencing on Tuesday 7 December and running until Friday 10 December, reconvening on Wed 15 December and again on Tues 21 December if necessary.

Suffolk County Council (SCC) will be supporting the 5 orders it has made (3 restricted byways and two double cul-de-sac footpaths). There are seven formal objectors, including Associated British Ports, Neptune Marina, Anglo Nordern and Suffolk Rights of Way Ltd (the original claimants).

The Inquiry will be held at the Conference Room, IP City Centre, Bath Street, Ipswich and SCC’s external advocate is Gordon Nardell QC.

The Inspector conducting the Inquiry is Barney Grimshaw. The purpose of the Inquiry is to enable Mr Grimshaw to hear and consider all of the evidence for and against the published orders. He will subsequently issue a decision letter advising whether he has confirmed them as made, confirm them with modifications or declined to confirm them. It is important to note that the legislation does not allow for any other evidence, such as desirability or environmental grounds, to be considered at the Inquiry, which will deal exclusively with the documentary and user evidence in support and against the routes being added to the Ipswich Definitive Map as public rights of way.

Anyone who wishes to give evidence at the PI will have to comply with some fairly rigid timescales. Anyone who has made an objection or representation or who wishes to give evidence must submit a Statement of Case to the Planning Inspectorate by 1 October. The Inspectorate will circulate that. Those wishing to give evidence must then ensure that their proofs of evidence are with the Inspectorate by 9 November. The purpose of this timescale (which is in accordance with the relevant Statutory Instrument) is to ensure that there are no surprises, that everyone knows what is being asserted, and that things run as efficiently as possible. An individual member of the public who is called to give evidence (eg evidence of use) does not have to notify the Inspectorate; it is for the person calling the witness to do that. It is up to the Inspector to decide whether to allow people who turn up on the day and wish to give evidence to be able do so, where they have not given due notice.

The contact details are: The Planning Inspectorate, Room 4/05, Kite Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN; tel 0117 372 6353 (Jean McEntee); email jean.mcentee@pins.gsi.gov.uk. Their reference is FPS/V3500/7/303. It would probably be a good idea for any prospective participant to contact the Inspectorate informally as soon as possible and to clarify whether he wants to give evidence on proposed RBs 36, 37 or 38, or proposed FPs 39 or 40.