Judicial review into Monks Lane sports hub falls in councils favour

A judge has ruled in favour of West Berkshire Council’s plans for a sports hub on Monks Lane.

Planning permission for the Sports Hub, at Newbury Rugby Club, was granted by the council’s planning committee in March.

The legal case was then brought by Newbury resident Alan Pearce, who argued the planning permission was flawed.

In a judgment handed down today (Friday), by His Honour Judge Jarman KC, it was determined that the council had acted lawfully when it granted permission.

The claimant, Mr Pearce, has been ordered to pay the council’s costs.

Responding to the judgment, council leader Lynne Doherty said: “We are delighted that the judge has agreed that our decision as local planning authority to grant permission for the construction of the Sports Hub at Monks Lane, Newbury, was correct.

“We have been clear from the outset that the claims made by those seeking the judicial review were entirely without foundation and that our position was sound.

“This judgment has reinforced our stance and shown that our planning processes were conducted appropriately.”

She added: “Regrettably each day that has gone by since these baseless claims were filed has seen taxpayer money wasted, due to both legal costs and inflationary rises in eventual construction costs.

"This is a great outcome for West Berkshire as we can now move on and make progress on creating this much-needed leisure facility that will enhance the lives of local people.”