Planning oddities

We have all seen the development at 91 Grantham Road, where Cartwrights and the garage used to be. The original plans were quite bizarre and were not passed, then the second set was agreed. Perhaps NK thought the plans were OK or perhaps it was just that they were better than the first set. Since the development started there have been a few changes in the plans, none of them major but I wonder if the whole plan would have passed if these changes were in the original drawings. Small things, like the block paving which is now tarmac, the hedge that was to be retained and enhanced but has now been grubbed out, enclosed spaces for the wheelie bins that have disappeared, a disabled access no longer there, less parking space etc. All minor, but the little embellishments that might have persuaded the planning department to allow the development.
Another odd thing, you recall the application for outline planning by the tennis club was turned down as it would be impossible to have a six metre splay on the exit road. The development is nearing completion and the exit is simply a drop kerb, no splay of any description.