Court dismisses new homes legal cases against Canterbury City Council

Two legal challenges against Canterbury City Council regarding developments at Hoplands Farm in Hersden and the Old Colliery site at Chislet have been dismissed in the High Court.

Campaigners had taken the council to court to apply for full judicial reviews, accusing it of not carrying out a full assessment of the impact of the two developments on the Stodmarsh nature reserve when granting planning permission.

But in the High Court last Wednesday (24 July), Mrs Justice Lang dismissed both challenges, deciding that the council had acted lawfully when making those decisions.

Between them, the two developments will provide up to 620 much-needed homes for local people, together with medical outlets, shops, open space and other benefits.

Chairman of the council’s Planning Committee, Cllr Ian Thomas, said: “We are naturally pleased to have won both of these cases, which will allow these important housing developments to go ahead.

“It is becoming increasingly common for opponents to new homes to launch these types of legal proceedings. We are always very careful to ensure we follow all the right procedures, so that if we do end up in court, we have a good chance of winning.”

Mrs Justice Lang also refused the campaigners permission to appeal.

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