BUT what i was trying to say was i for sure would never have been at 50 feet without being Cleared To Land.
Capitain - my take on it:-
1) It is quite safe - the g/a 'technique' from 50 is no different to that from 500'
2) At LGW and other 'busy' places, the 'late clearance' becomes an important tool in ATC's toolbox.
3) In many cases, you can see that the traffic will be clear, but you have not had the 'official nod' from tower. It seems a dreadful waste of ALL resources not to utilise this.