Work to start on landlord’s 8,500 ‘garden town’ after legal challenge thrown out

Greg Reed, group CEO of Places for People, said last week’s decision by the court is a “pivotal milestone” for the project forecast to deliver £6bn in economic impact.

“The court’s refusal of the challenge on all grounds brings welcome clarity and enables us to move forward with confidence [and begin] delivery of 8,500 new homes and over £1bn of infrastructure, starting this year,” he said.

East Herts District Council first backed the scheme in March 2023 and granted it planning permission in January this year.

In a statement last week, the local authority welcomed the court’s ruling and stressed the need for the new homes. 

Vicky Glover-Ward, the council’s executive member for planning and growth, said: “We welcome the judge’s decision today to uphold the original ruling and reject the grounds for a legal challenge.

“The council, together with its Harlow and Gilston Garden Town partners, has worked diligently over many years to bring these plans to the point of approval, and we are pleased that the court recognised this today.

“We hope this decision draws a line under a process that only delays the delivery of much-needed new housing, including 2,300 [affordable] homes for people currently struggling to get onto the property ladder.”

Mr Reed added: “We’ve worked closely with the local community and stakeholders to shape a shared, long-term vision for Gilston.

“With this milestone now reached, we are one step closer to delivering the homes, infrastructure and legacy that the region deserves.”