“A judicial review will allow Ryde voices to be heard,” an Isle of Wight mayor said, after the controversial West Acre Park development was given the go-ahead.
Local councillor, Michael Lilley, again questioned the procedures and processes behind a decision to approve its next phase – 473 new houses on the former Westridge Farm site.
The Isle of Wight council maintains procedures have been followed correctly.
Lilley: ‘Very saddened’ by planning decision
The representative for Ryde Appley and Elmfield, Cllr Lilley, said he was ‘very saddened’ by Tuesday’s planning decision.
He has since raised a number of issues around investigations into on-site wildlife and what he calls a lack of consultation on an issue which ‘will change the natural environment forever’.
Isle of Wight council insists it has followed the letter of the law in its handling of the scheme.
Preparing a case for judicial review
The organisers of a campaign against West Acre Park are preparing a case for judicial review.
Meanwhile, Isle of Wight council’s former chief executive, John Metcalfe, previously produced a report which offered a defence for every point.
Cllr Lilley said,
“This is now not about housing versus environment, but about fairness, transparency, proper process and law.”
Following the planing councillors’ decision, once the legalities are signed off, campaigners will have six weeks to submit a case for judicial review.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
