A LEGAL challenge to the Northern Quarter regeneration project near Cinderford will go back before a court.

The Dean Natural Alliance (DNA) requested a judicial review of the scheme, which is backed by the Homes and Communities Agency and the Forest of Dean District Council, on the grounds of the impact of bat colonies in the area.

That case, brought in the names of Derek Foster and Tom Langton, was dismissed by Mr Justice Cranston following a hearing at the High Court in London in August.

An appeal against that decision was lodged in the High Court on Tuesday, September 29 on the advice of DNA’s solicitors, Leigh Day and Co.

The council says it will continue to “robustly” defend the scheme which includes a new Forest campus for Gloucestershire College, 195 homes, a hotel, employment units and a new road.

Opponents say the area should not have been considered for development because of its high ecological value and the availability of other sites.

DNA chairman, Simon Glover said: “The DNA are determined to fight this major development every step of the way. 

“It is a national scandal that this site in the Forest of Dean, treasured by residents and visitors alike and a public national forest, has been chosen for industrial and housing development.

“Why destroy valuable wildlife habitats and treasured landscapes which Cinderford should be proud of, when there are alternative derelict sites in Cinderford  for development?

“The old Englehard site (on Valley Road) has been lying derelict for years and all of that area would make an ideal location for high-tech labs with an innovative combination as a work experience-college site.”

The group says it cannot make public the grounds on which they are challenging Justice Cranston’s decision as the matter is ‘sub judice.’

Leader of the Council Cllr Patrick Molyneux said: “We are obviously disappointed to learn that both parties have appealed against the High Court’s decision to refuse permission to commence a judicial review of the council’s decision to grant planning permission for the development of Cinderford Northern Quarter. 

“The news is particularly surprising in view of the fact that the High Court judgement was strongly in favour of the council’s original decision. 

“To date the council has been successful in defending all the legal challenges to this important regeneration project. We will continue to defend our decision robustly.”