The High Court (Carnwath LJ) today began hearing a judicial review brought by the London Borough of Hillingdon & Others seeking to challenge the decision of the Secretary of State for Transport contained titled ‘Britain’s Transport Infrastructure - Adding Capacity at Heathrow: Decisions Following Consultation’ (January 2009) and announced on 15 January 2009. In that decision the Secretary of State confirmed the Government’s policy support for a third runway at Heathrow, which had been stated in the White Paper.

The Claimants (the London Boroughs of Hillingdon, Hounslow, Richmond-upon-Thames, Wandsworth, Hammersmith & Fulham, the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, Greenpeace Ltd, WWF-UK, NoTRAG, HACAN ClearSkies and the CPRE) allege the consultation process was unfair, failed to take into account relevant matters and was insufficiently reasoned. Transport for London, and Interested Party, in the proceedings support the challenge in so far as it related to surface access issues.

For media coverage see: http://bit.ly/92GrX8

The hearing is expected to continue until Thursday.

Nathalie Lieven QC and David Forsdick are part of the team of Counsel appearing for the Claimants. James Maurici is part of the team of Counsel appearing for the Secretary of State.

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