Thanks Hippocrates, but it's the forum that deserves the congratulations for giving me the courage to push all the way and in the end the council tripped themselves up as we'd hoped.
Thanks to all those supported especially CP8759 who was ready to argue my appeal before Hillingdon in their 'wisdom' replied with 'Do Not Contest'. I reckon the thought of going up against CP8759 was the overiding factor which forced them in to submission.
I attach the letter from LBOH declaring NFA.
WhatsApp Image 2024-03-11 at 21.18.28 by
Dexx99, on Flickr
The only slight loose end is I never received an email from E&TA to affirm the decision, but the letter is good enough for me.