Paul
It won't specifically go against you but statistically you are four times more likely to be successful at a hearing that you attend than one that you do not.
Rather than going straight to a Paper hearing (which you do not attend), you could try pushing for an Oral hearing (that you do) in your home, this is called a domiciliary hearing and is almost never granted, but as a fall back position, ask for a video conferencing hearing using something like Skype.
You have nothing to lose by doing so, if it is not granted you can always revert to a Paper hearing and if successful you will definitely improve your chances of success.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems 
