High Court Dismisses Ecotown Judicial Review

The High Court today dismissed a judicial review which challenged the lawfulness of the Governments consultation on Eco-towns: CO/5990/2008 The Bard Campaign v Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. Giving judgment, Mr Justice Walker held that the governments consultation on the principle of, and criteria for, eco-towns was satisfactory and lawful. In addition, the governments approach to the requirements of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive was upheld. The claim was brought by an organisation opposed to the building of an eco-town in Long Marston, near Stratford on Avon. Another local group (Weston Front) opposed to the building of an eco-town at Western Otmoor was an Interested Party supporting the claim. Tim Mould Q.C. and James Maurici acted for the Secretary of State. For media coverage of this case, please click here.