The BARD (Better Accessible Responsible Development) campaign group has today lodged its application at the High Court for judicial review of the government’s eco-town process.
BARD, which was set up to oppose St Modwen’s 6,000-home scheme in
It is questioning the decision, in April, by the secretary of state for communities and local government to shortlist potential eco-town sites without undertaking an “adequate consultation” in respect of the concept itself.
Accordingly, BARD and its chairman David Bliss are asking the court for a declaration that the eco-towns programme is unlawful and should be halted until proper and full consultation has taken place.
Pending final determination of the dispute, BARD is also asking for disclosure of all government reports in respect of the 57 eco-town bids.
A spokesperson for the Department of Communities and Local Government said: “We don’t believe there is any basis for a legal challenge. No decisions have been taken on which eco-towns will proceed, an intensive local consultation process is underway and any bids that do go forward will be subject to a sustainability assessment and the full local planning process.
“Given the clear and transparent process set-out and the fact we are still at this early stage, it’s hard to understand what this group is trying to judicially review.”
