A wildlife charity is challenging plans to build a substantial Royal Mail distribution hub on marshland in the Thames Gateway.
Mitting J is hearing Buglife’s application to apply for judicial review. It accuses Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation of acting unlawfully in giving approval for the scheme at West Thurrock Marshes, Essex.
In 2006, Royal Mail and developer Rosemound were given permission to build a 205,000 sq ft distribution hub on the 45-acre site.
The charity alleges that the project threatens irrevocable damage to bees, spiders and beetles at an important wildlife site. Tthe threatened species include the “charismatic” distinguished jumper spider, the brownbanded carder bee, the saltmarsh shortspur beetle and the humpbacked red ant.
Buglife’s counsel, Michael Fordham QC, is arguing that the corporation’s decision was unlawful and should be quashed because it was based upon a material error of fact and/or upon an irrelevant consideration.
Before the hearing, Matt Shardlow, director of Buglife said: “This has been a long and hard campaign for Buglife, but we are committed to seeing justice for the wildlife of West Thurrock Marshes and elsewhere in the
The case continues.
