The latest bid to block the South Oxfordshire Local Plan has been thrown out.
The High Court had already thrown out an attempt by campaign group Bioabundance which was seeking a judicial review of South Oxfordshire District Council’s decision to adopt the plan in December.
After that ruling the group exercised its right to request an oral hearing. That took place on Thursday, April 29 but Mrs Justice Lang rejected the group’s bid once again.
Bioabundance could now appeal that ruling but already has to pay costs which have been capped at £10,000 including £8,266 to the council. The group’s fundraising pot is already at £14,500.
In a statement, the council said: “Today’s judgment supports the previous decision on the papers by The Honourable Mr Justice Dove on 30 March that also found that the initial application by Bioabundance CIC for judicial review should not progress.
“Although Bioabundance may seek to take today’s High Court judgement to the Court of Appeal, the council remains confident it worked within the law to produce and adopt its Local Plan 2035.
“The adopted Local Plan 2035 continues to have full weight in any planning decision made and remains the adopted policy of the council.”
Bioabundance published a statement at the weekend which said: “Bioabundance is very disappointed to report that at Thursday’s oral hearing a second judge refused permission to take the case against SODC and Sec of State to Statutory Review.
“It seems things are against us but we are considering whether to appeal the decision.”
Image: Jonathan Billinger / Oxfordshire countryside.
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