We thought it was all over. Planning permission lapsed two months ago. Camden Council resoundingly rejected the proposals to use the street for access five months ago. 

The Inspectorate wrote to the developer's inviting them to give up. They said 'no', as around three months ago, the developers dug a couple of holes, ostensibly to check for tree roots, but eventually claiming that this meant that they had started work (the oldest trick in the development book, apparently). 

The fact that they didn't have permission to dig the holes has been quietly overlooked.

Her Majesty's Planning Inspectorate are now, at enormous public expense, reviewing the developer's plans. So it still might all go wrong. That wouldn't be right, at all. We have the country's best legal advice, the commitment of a diligent Councillor and the support of thousands of people like you, but it does seem that a combination of dodgy developers, bumbling bureaucrats and gamesmanship might cost us (and you) not just the tranquil scene you see in Mr Bray's watercolour, below but also further damn everyone to the consequences of a failing system.