Turnden: CPRE Kent High Court challenge to be heard on June 18

CPRE Kent will be appearing at the High Court next month when our judicial review of the government’s decision to allow 165 houses in the High Weald National Landscape will be heard.

The hearing has been set for Wednesday, June 18, with our case based on the strengthened statutory duty to require decision-makers to actively seek to further the conservation and enhancement of England’s National Landscapes, previously known as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs).

In a positive development, the High Court has granted the Campaign for National Parks permission to intervene. This means they will formally support our arguments in court, underlining how significant this case is for protecting nationally important landscapes from harmful development.

A statement from the independent charity says: “This case is important because it will set a precedent for how public bodies in England should comply with the new duty to ‘seek to further’ National Parks and National Landscapes.”

CPRE Kent have maintained throughout that granting permission for this major housing development at Turnden, near Cranbrook, within a National Landscape undermines the protection afforded our countryside, setting a concerning precedent that could affect landscapes nationwide.

• To read more about the decision to permit the CNP to intervene in this test case, click here
• CPRE Kent remain reliant on public support to fund this important legal challenge. We are immensely grateful for the support received so far and continue to appeal to our members, supporters and all those who value the countryside to contribute to our CrowdJustice campaign. Details of how to support us are available here