Thanks Phil - it is also because the planning documents are executable documents (or are seen as such) and are picked up by firewalls.

Trust the public meeting wont turn out like the commitee meeting for the proposed Crystal Palace multiplex at the end of the 90s when the largely older and more affluent audience (hundred plus strong) stormed the stage at Bromley town hall. But I hope there are similar numbers. Ah glory days!

I've picked up the article in the SLP elsewhere on the web, and a follow up letter has also been published.