Warwickshire eco-town protesters go back to court
Mar 19 2009 by Patrice John, Birmingham Post
Campaigners against a Warwickshire eco-town are hoping to take their fight to court for the second time.
Members of the Better Accessible Responsible Development campaign (BARD) are opposing a development near Long Marston known as Middle Quinton.
The site, which will contain 6,000 homes, forms part of a Government pledge to increase UK housing stock, but campaigners believe it is poorly located.
Now BARD, which unsuccessfully challenged the scheme through a Judicial Review in January, is seeking to be heard in the Court of Appeal.
BARD chairman David Bliss said: “We were disappointed with the Judicial Review ruling. The information provided by the Government on eco-towns has been confused, flawed and inadequate, thereby making it impossible for ordinary members of the public to engage in serious consultation. It is regrettable that we now rely on the Court of Appeal for us to be given an opportunity to consult on the principle and key criteria for new environmentally-friendly affordable settlements. Local opinions should be heard.”
BARD won a Judicial Review into the eco-town consultation process and attended the High Court in January.
The case was heard by Mr Justice Walker who found the Government had acted correctly and consulted appropriately.
Campaigners claim the eco-town consultation process is flawed and the Government has failed in its duty to fully consult residents.
BARD also believe the key criteria for the entire eco-town proposal was never properly and lawfully consulted on.
The Department for Communities and Local Government, which are handling the initiative across the country, have extended the consultation period into the Draft Planning Policy Statement on each of the eco-town developments.
Residents and objectors have until the end of April to respond.
The DCLG has given the green light to 11 potential schemes, including the Middle Quinton development.
n See http://bit.ly/pbSNO to consult on the eco-town proposal.
