The Local Government Association is giving behind-the-scenes support to a judicial review of how the government selected its eco-town shortlist.
The body, which is chaired by Sir Simon Milton and represents almost 500 councils in England and Wales, has appointed lawyers to investigate how best to mount a legal challenge to the selection process. The government shortlisted 15 locations in April.
Sources said the move was unusual as the body cannot formally challenge central government policy in court, and several of its members actively support eco-towns in their areas.
The decision follows a meeting of 50 council representatives last Thursday in
The LGA said: “We are looking at legal issues around the government’s approach to eco-towns and will continue to support our members, as we would on any issue.”
Simon Ricketts, a partner at law firm SJ Berwin, which is advising Bard – a group opposing St Modwen’s 6,000 home scheme at Middle Quinton near
“The selection process is flawed. The government didn’t carry out a rigorous examination of the constraints of each site or consult on key elements of the programme.”
Bard will lodge papers calling for a judicial review this month.
