Well it's been a few weeks since I said good bye to EGR. i can confirm that there is a tangible difference in the drivability of the van. For a start the low load, low speed flat spots which I got when accelerating from junctions, lights and roundabouts has gone. The van feels more lively and is easier to drive.
Also, the economy has improved too. I now get 710 miles on a tank as opposed to 680 which equates a to a smidge over 40mpg. No bad for something with brick-like aerodynamics!
My next engine system modification will be the removal of the pesky catalyst and a pendle performance chip to take it to 130BHP from its current 104BHP.