There’s been a further twist in the long-running saga around the Wightlink Lymington ferry port.
Wightlink have been trying to secure permission to alter the Lymington end of the Yarmouth ferry route, to re-enable passengers to board at the side of the boats, rather than have to use the vehicle ramp, delaying the traffic dis/embarking.
A series of legal challenges by the Lymington River Association have caused major delays.
New Forest District Council Asked For Call-in
Back at the start of June, 2011, New Forest District Council took the unusual step of asking the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles, to ‘call-in’ the latest Wightlink planning application.
The two reasons they cited in their covering letter (embedded before for your convenience) to Mr Pickles were
- The first is the risk that the LPAs will concurrently reach a different view from the inspector on the same issues.
- The second is that there is a significant likelihood that the “compensation” issue will be decisive of the decision on the planning applications.
Thus whichever way the issue is determined, the Council and NPA will be challenged either by appeal (if planning permission is refused) or judicial review proceedings (if permission is granted). Indeed those representing the Lymington River Association have already intimated the possibility of court proceedings. Either way, there are enormous resource implications for both authorities.
Call-in rejected says Cllr George Brown
Tonight in the Isle of Wight council chamber, Cllr Brown announced that the Secretary of State has rejected the New Forest District Council appeal for a ‘call-in’, stating that it must be decided locally, knocking it back to New Forest District Council and the New Forest National Park Authority.
New Forest DC writing to Hon Eric Pickles about Wightlink Lymington Planning App
