A HIGH Court judge has refused permission for a judicial review to challenge the Forest Council’s decision to grant permission for Cinderford Northern Quarter.

The Honourable Mr Justice Cranston made the decision to refuse a review after hearing objections from claimants Derek Foster, on behalf of Dean Natural Alliance, and Tom Langton relating to the impact of the development on a colony of bats.

The council was found to have acted appropriately in determining the original planning application.

Permission for the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) planning application was granted by the Council’s planning committee in November 2014 and includes full permission for a new spine road and college and outline permission for office, industrial, hotel and residential uses. 

Leader of the council, Cllr Patrick Molyneux (Con: Woolaston and Hewelsfield) said: “We are delighted with the High Court decision to refuse a further legal challenge. The council remains committed to ensuring any development is carried out sensitively in order to both protect the biodiversity and deliver much-needed regeneration for Cinderford, in particular, and the wider district.

“This is great news for Cinderford and the wider district and we look forward to the project moving to the next stage. Work on the new spine road in the Northern Quarter is due to start in November.”