Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council could be funding judicial review into Watermill Bridge successful appeal
A local authority could be funding a judicial review into the appeal process and decision which will see a large 270-home community built just south of Newbury.
The judicial review could mean that the construction of the controversial development won’t go ahead.
The development – which is called Watermill Bridge – would be located just south of the county border in Hampshire, on a patch of land between the A34 and Andover Road.
The Watermill Bridge plans were put forward by Baughurst-based housing developer Bewley Homes in November 2021 but were rejected by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council last April.
Bewley appealed the council’s decision and this was upheld by the Planning Inspectorate on January 29.
However, the Enborne River Valley Preservation Society (ERVPS), a residents group opposed to the plans, has reported that Basingstoke and Deane intends to fund a judicial review of the appeal process and decision.
Judicial reviews are a type of court proceeding in which a judge reviews the lawfulness of a decision or action made by a public body.
They are expensive to instigate, and it is now the only possible way for the appeal decision to be reversed.
ERVPS claim that they have been informed of the council’s intentions after engaging with several Basingstoke and Deane councillors, North West Hampshire MP Kit Malthouse and members of East Woodhay Parish Council.
An ERVPS spokesperson said: “The decision to undertake a judicial review demonstrates the seriousness with which our concerns are being addressed and provides an opportunity for a thorough examination of the appeal process.
“We will keep you informed as this situation develops and continue to work tirelessly on behalf of our community.
“Your support and involvement have been instrumental in reaching this point, and we are grateful for your continued commitment to our cause.”
West Berkshire councillor David Marsh (Green, Newbury Wash Common) welcomed the “good news”.
He said: “This is a costly process and we can assume the council would not be doing it without having some hope that it will be successful.
“There was astonishment and outrage across the area when this appeal was granted.
“The development would have a very serious effect on Wash Common.”
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has not confirmed or denied that it will be pursuing this plan of action.
A council spokesperson said: “We were informed of the planning inspector's decision to allow the Watermill Bridge appeal.
“The council does not accept all of the conclusions from that appeal and is taking legal advice.”