On the 18th May, those of you have who have generously supported the Crowd Justice appeal to fund this challenge should have received the following update on the process. For those who cannot contribute, or have yet to, you can find a link at the bottom of this page.
LADACAN lawyers Leigh Day submitted the detailed paperwork last Thursday, 15th May, formally applying to the High Court for a Judicial Review! The Government’s lawyers had seen our preliminary draft and just sent a top-level dismissive response without really engaging in the detail.
Our claim documents were prepared by Estelle Dehon KC and her expert team, drawing on evidence from existing policy, other similar cases and the planning examination itself. They argue that the decision by the Secretary of State to overrule the Planning Inspectors’ recommendation on expansion of Luton Airport was unlawful on six separate and carefully evidenced grounds.
This represents a substantial milestone in the case, for which everyone who has contributed towards the costs is very warmly thanked.
The other parties – i.e. the Sec of State and airport owner Luton Rising – have 3 weeks to respond to our claim and to provide a defence. The Court then decides if the case is arguable based on the paperwork, which can take 2-3 months.
If permission is refused, we can elect for an oral hearing in front of a judge, who will decide on the permission and may indeed hear the substantive case. Otherwise, if permission is granted based on the papers, a full hearing would be scheduled in a further few months.
So there will be a lull for a while, but we will still be raising funds to cover the costs so far, the possibility of a Hearing, and the Court appearance.
Thank you all for being with us on this important journey
If you would still like to contribute, please use this link:-
https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/stop-luton-airport-expansion