We can argue the point on lateral restraint until the cows come home - it's one of those moot points, often where experience comes in. But where builders often 'do their own thing', its perhaps better to err on the safe side.
But this still doesn't address the issue of deflection. I've not done any figures - I think Ronny did some and IIRC they were quite excessive at 44mm - its just too much. The 8mm plate will bend downwards too far on that span, I suspect OP will have to consider a central post of some sort.
I wouldn't argue with the returns at 900mm - accepted they go outside the 'deemed to satisfy' rules in AD A, but still acceptable IMO - could easily be proved.