A late witness 'ambush' is threatening the fair running of Great Yarmouth's outer harbour inquiry, campaigners claim.
Gregory Jones QC, for Great Yarmouth Port Company, had announced that no witnesses would be called to defend the port's position at a preliminary hearing on March 1.
But on the eve of the inquiry – which starts at Great Yarmouth town hall today – campaigner John Cooper said he was alerted to a port witness.
The three-day inquiry will examine whether it is right to grant the £80m port's Harbour Revision Order (HRO) of 2010.
It was called by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO).
Objector Mr Cooper said he received an email from the planning inspectorate at 3.09pm on Friday, notifying him of an unnamed witness – later confirmed as Eliza O'Toole, vice-chairman of Great Yarmouth Port Company (GYPC).
Ms O'Toole denies that any last-minute changes have taken place, and said that details were contained in papers – submitted in accordance with deadlines set out by government inspector Lloyd Rodgers.
But Mr Cooper, of Great Yarmouth Scrutiny and Heritage Group, said: 'It's an ambush of sorts at the last minute.'
He said the lack of preparation time will leave objectors at a disadvantage, and intends to make his feelings clear to the inspector today.
He added what has happened is 'totally unacceptable' and must pave the way for an appeal or judicial review.
In a written statement Ms O'Toole said: 'GYPC's evidence was served in accordance with the inspector's requirements on March 19, including being provided directly to objectors and deposited in the library.
'Hence it has been known since March 19 that the promoter would be giving evidence and who was giving this as it is stated on the front page of the evidence. We understand that was also confirmed to all concerned by the MMO last Friday.'
David Wilkinson, an ally of Mr Cooper, conceded that while objectors may have learned of the witness late, it would at least give them a chance to cross examine port evidence.
A spokesman for the MMO said: 'The inspector has discretion to hear any evidence he considers relevant and is solely responsible for considering all procedural matters.
'The MMO's role at this time is limited to supporting the inquiry process through exchanging and displaying material.'
Last week it emerged campaigners had lost their fight to get confidential port documents published.
The inquiry starts at 10am today.
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