I might have misunderstood the CAA (has been known), but isn't the "law" in the UK that you can ONLY make turns in the circuit direction?
Isn't that why we can't make "45 degree" joins like the US system does?
I must admit, joining from the south for runway 36, and flying once round the field, does seem OTT when things are quiet. On a busy day, there's no option.
I'm spoiled. My home field has full ATC, and it's usually baseleg or straight-in. But you should see the landing fees we pay...