And if a planning committee really did turn something down and give as the formal legal reason for the decision the numbers of local objectors, then the applicant would wipe the floor with them at appeal.
Absolutely right. Whilst planning is perceived to be a populist issue, in reality it ia governed by the law and more importantly by planning guidance and local and county plans. Even if local councilors bow to local pressure the planning inspector will be quite unmoved by names on a petition. If the airfield does not address the
planning issues its appeal will fail.