A High Court Judge has refused permission for a Judicial Review to challenge the District Council’s decision to grant planning permission for a project, search which will see the much needed regeneration of the Cinderford Northern Quarter.
The Honourable Mr Justice Cranston made the decision to refuse a review after hearing objections from two claimants Derek Foster (on behalf of Dean Natural Alliance) and Tom Langton, relating to the impact of the development on a colony of bats.
The Council was found to have acted appropriately in determining the original planning application.
Permission for the Homes & Communities Agency (HCA) planning application was granted by the Planning Committee in November 2014, and includes full permission for a new spine road and college and outline permission for office, industrial, hotel and residential uses.
Cllr Patrick Molyneux, Leader of the District Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning Policy said: “We are delighted with the High Court decision to refuse a further legal challenge.”
“The Council understands the vital importance and value of the ecology in the Northern Quarter and remains committed to ensuring any development is carried out sensitively in order to both protect the biodiversity and deliver much needed regeneration for Cinderford in particular and the wider District in general.”
“Throughout the whole legal process we have robustly defended our original decision to grant permission. We have a lawful and sound Core Strategy and Cinderford Northern Quarter Area Action Plan, both of which have been successfully defended despite numerous legal challenges. These documents are supported by the Biodiversity Strategy Technical guidance, which the Council co-produced with representatives from a number of local wildlife organisations and a Masterplan and Design Code for the Northern Quarter. These documents provide guidance on the high standards required for any development at the Northern Quarter.”
“This is great news for Cinderford and the wider district and we look forward to the project moving to the next stage – work on the new spine road in the Northern Quarter is due to start in November.”