It was interesting that Basildon Council chose to send their legal team and their barrister to the hearing (and the earlier cancelled hearing). They were not invited but were entitled to be present but not allowed to speak unless the judge allowed them to do so. Neither were they entitled to their costs. Over the last few weeks they have repeatedly contacted our solicitor and she has been forced by legal protocol to reply and send them papers AT OUR COST! Clearly they were worried and rightly so.
Although we have been refused our judicial review, the fact remains that Basildon Council in failing to inform and consult fully with the public and our elected councillors are in breach of the European Commission Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive. Information was withheld from us even after Freedom of Information requests. Local wildlife groups were not consulted despite Natural England saying they should be. Officers of the council chose not to pass on local wildlife groups serious concerns to members of the Development Control and Traffic Management Committee who are our elected representatives and had to vote on the plan. Other information known to officers was only presented as a redacted report to the public and elected councillors. Some information is still not in the public domain. Some information now differs to that which was presented at the planning meeting.
We are looking at the possibility of taking our case to the European Court. When we have sufficient information on costs, timescale and potential outcome we will call a public meeting to discuss the course of action we should take with supporters. In the meantime if you have any comments you can email them to gag2011 on the form below.
Thank you for your support. It has really kept us going through the tough times and we are determined to get justice for the people of Basildon.
[contact-form-7] ]]>Despite GAG’s legal case Basildon Council have published the proposed plan, on their online planning site, for off and on-site mitigation for the Dry Street pastures. The council’s decision to publish these documents does not mean that our legal case has failed or that it is in any way less robust. We are still awaiting our appeal hearing for permission for judicial review. Should we succeed then their mitigation plans will all be for nothing. Let us hope that is the case.
Put simply the off-site plan is for populations of reptiles and badgers that are in the way to be trapped and transported to Runwell, actually it is nearer Rettendon. They are even planning to relocate the turves. It is very sad reading particularly when the reports acknowledges the immense importance of the site and the fragile populations of flora and fauna then go on to list how much harm will be done. The proposed on-site measures are designed to save pockets of biodiversity which will reduce chances of survival of species.
Access to the documents is via http://planning.basildon.gov.uk by entering the planning reference14/01176/COND into simple search. Under the tab labelled documents there are a list of 10. If you wish to make a comment you need to use your log in or create one. Please do comment if you can and quickly. The deadline date does not seem to be noted on the site but it is likely to be two weeks today. If you would rather send your objections via email then the address [email protected] or you can write to
Planning Services
Basildon Borough Council
The Basildon Centre
St Martin’s Square
Basildon, Essex
SS14 1DL
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Thank you for all your support. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.
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