.before the risk analysis numpties ruled "not less than 4 miles when turning final.".
Thought it was an environmental thing?
It's in the UK AIP under para 2.21 Noise Abatement Procedures.
http://www.mantma.co.uk/pdf/eg_ad_2_egcc_en.pdf
This from para 2.21 a
iv. Unless otherwise authorised by ATC, aircraft using the ILS in IMC and VMC shall not descend below 2000 ft before intercepting the glidepath, not hereafter fly below it. An aircraft approaching without assistance from ILS or radar shall follow a descent path which will not result in its being at any time lower than the approach path which would be followed by an aircraft using the ILS glidepath.
For visual approaches, or following a visual circuit, to Runway 23R/23L the following additional limitations apply:
1. Jet aircraft shall not join the final approach at a height of less than 1500 ft aal
2. Propeller driven aircraft whose MTWA exceeds 5700 kg shall not join the final approach at a distance of less than 3 nm from the landing
threshold and at a height of less than 1000 ft aal.
and turned final at 1500ft.
So if it was at 1500 feet that's OK then although I'm not sure how you knew what the height was.
Can't blame the pilot for asking for a visual if they can see the airfield and are set up and briefed for a possible visual approach and can't blame ATC if they give him clearance if it is safe and expeditious to do so.
Suzeman