The High Court has given the go-ahead for a major housing development on the outskirts of Redditch, Worcestershire, rejecting a legal challenge brought by a parish council.
At a hearing in December, Bentley Pauncefoot Parish Council asked High Court planning judge Mr Justice Dove to quash outline planning permission granted to housebuilder Heyford Developments to build 2,500 homes on the north-west side of the town.
Lawyers for the parish council had argued the planning committee that made the decision hadn’t been given enough information, specifically about the increase in traffic caused by the development. However, in a ruling handed down today, Dove J said the committee was “fully and properly advised,” and “quite entitled” to make the decision they did. He dismissed the case.
The outline planning permission allows the demolition of existing buildings and the building of up to 2,560 dwellings, a local centre that incudes shops, health and community facilities, and a three-form entry school.
In its prospectus, the developer calls it a “new garden neighbourhood” that will deliver housing, facilities and “over 50 hectares of multi-functional public open space”.
Local residents have campaigned tirelessly against the scheme, saying it will significantly increase traffic and, as it is likely to take 15 years to complete, will cause disruption for years to come.
Bentley Pauncefoot Parish Council and others v Heyford Developments Ltd
Planning Court (Dove J) 2 March 2023
