High Court Rejects Bard's Judicial Review Challenge

In an oral judgment delivered this afternoon at the High Court, Mr Justice Walker ruled that the consultation on its shortlist document: “Eco-towns Living a Greener Future” was lawful.

David Bliss, Chairman of the BARD Campaign, commented:

“We are disappointed but this is by no means the end of the road for BARD’s challenges to the Middle Quinton proposal. Labelling objectors NIMBIES is a lazy Government response to well-thought out opposition to the current eco-town programme. No less than 47 national, regional and local representative bodies agree that poorly sited new towns will neither meet their promised eco-agenda nor provide affordable housing in places where people want to live.

“Our principle remains compelling: local people deserve to be properly consulted on Government policies that directly impact them. Contrary to Government assertions, we care deeply both about the environment and our communities. Experience from Europe suggests that the way to success is developing eco-quarters as part of urban extensions rather than building new towns in isolated rural spots and expecting them to be environmentally friendly solutions to national housing demand.

“In short, poorly-sited eco-towns will lead to soulless commuter-based dormitory towns becoming expensive white elephants of the future. We do not intend to stand by and watch this happen.

“Despite today’s ruling we hope the Government will properly listen to and act on the views of local people and their democratically-elected representatives before progressing with the programme.”