Legal challenge fails to stop eco-towns
Attempts to use a judicial review to derail the government’s eco-towns scheme have failed in the High Court.
Pressure group Better Accessible Responsible Development brought the challenge, arguing that the government had not undertaken sufficient public consultation over its eco-town proposals.
But Mr Justice Walker ruled that the challenge failed on all grounds. The decision leaves the government free to press ahead with its programme. Officials are currently assessing which of the shortlisted sites should go ahead.
BARD is opposed to the development of an eco-town in Warwickshire, and was supported by like-minded groups opposing developments in Pennbury, Leicestershire, and Weston Otmoor in Oxfordshire.
The Town and Country Planning Association welcomed the ruling.
Chief executive Gideon Amos said: ‘Due process remains essential for all communities in agreeing locations but we must not be diverted from the urgency of reducing emissions, adapting to a new climate and creating inclusive communities in which people and families can thrive and enjoy life.’
Have your say
You must sign in to make a comment