Thanks a lot for all the advice guys.
So as I understand it, the IMC, at this point in time, will not reduce the requirements of the CPL/IR?
If the EASA proposal, which looks promising, does not fall through, will that mean an IMC rating I do now (before EASA are clear on what exactly will happen) count towards a CPL/IR done after the changes are implemented? I apologise, I'm guessing their intentions with regards to this are in the document somewhere, I just haven't had a chance to read it all yet.
A and C/terryp, I did think I might be rushing it a little to dive straight into it after my PPL and your comments seem to affirm this. Although it seems I don't have a choice anyway, I read the IMC rating section in CAP 804 since last posting and it seems there is a requirement of about 10 hours PIC post-PPL before applying for the rating. So I'll probably get that in along with the need XC time before starting the IMC training.