Its sometimes easier to allow a study to be commissioned knowing that nothing is likely to happen anyway!!
Certainly is, but you have to know the political lie of the land which in this case looks quite complicated.
Maybe it has been done to put this issue to bed once and for all as far as the LEP is concerned. Then they can all support the development of LBA by pressing for further access improvements.
On the face of it, you wonder whether the LEP could spend the money on something more productive to support the region ...