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The metar history show that the 500 feet forecast was correct.

But tell me Phil. Is 500 feet stratus cloudbase significant from the
controller’s point of view? (as opposed to an earlier TAF giving
nothing below 3,500). Even in my flying days (goodness, I retired
almost 11 years ago!) 500 feet wouldn’t have made the slightest
difference to us so it can’t do so in 2009. But does the landing/take
off flow rate have to be changed in such conditions of low cloud even
with good visibility beneath?

Jack - no 500ft is not an issue for us. 400ft we would be looking at
safeguarding, and 300ft we may be 'Tower In Cloud' or ICAO Visibility 2
condition to give it its proper title. Operationally, we are told that any
cloud is not a problem for the flight crews - just the RVRs. All that
matters is whether the approach is flown manually or autoland. Incidentally,
we hope to change LVP introduction from BKN002 to BKN001 soon. We have
agreement in principle from the regulator to apply LVPs when the cloud
ceiling is below 200ft as opposed to 200ft or below - which in practice
means anywhere from 100 to 199ft.

Phil