Oaks Judicial Review Bid Rejected

Council welcomes decision, action group left with legal bill

A High Court judge has rejected an application to bring a judicial review of the decision to grant planning permission for the £40 million Oaks development in Acton.

The application was refused by the Honourable Mr Justice Mitting on Monday who rejected arguments made by The Oaks Action Group and ruled that there were no grounds to challenge the council’s grant of planning permission. The judge also ordered the claimant to pay Ealing Council’s legal costs of £2,435.

The Oaks Action Group (OAG) started the legal battle with Ealing Council over the controversial Oaks planning decision.

Council Leader, Councillor Julian Bell, said: “We’re pleased with this decision as we have always been confident that the correct process was followed to grant permission for the Oaks development.”

Cllr Gregory Stafford, Conservative Group Leader said: “Rather than be pleased that the Oaks Action Group have lost their bid for judicial review, the Labour Administration should stop and reflect that they have approved a scheme that does not have the support of the majority of residents who live in Acton.”

The applicant now has seven days to apply to the court for a hearing to reconsider the judge’s decision.

The controversial plan to build 142 homes (nine storey building) a multi-storey car park and new retail space in the town centre has already been approved and despite opposition and appeals neither the Mayor or Department for Communities and Local Government called the application in - work is expected to start on the site later this year.

July 2, 2014