Hotel Extension Judicial Review Application Dismissed

Campaigners whose application for a judicial review regarding a hotel extension has been rejected have stated they are “disappointed” with the outcome. A High Court judge denied Green Belt Watch Limited’s request for a judicial review concerning the Fairmont Windsor Park Hotel. A planning application was approved in March for an extension that had already been constructed at the five-star hotel, which is owned by Arora Group. The Arora Group is under the ownership of Surinder Arora, a businessman and Conservative Party donor. In 2023, the hotel served as the location for post-Brexit negotiations. The application for a judicial review was rejected across all five counts. A spokesperson for Green Belt Watch stated that the group initiated the application “to protect the whole of the London Metropolitan green belt from unscrupulous developers.” The spokesperson further commented: “We are highly disappointed not to be able to bring our evidence to the court.” Mr. Arora commented: “We are pleased with the court’s decision to dismiss this case, confirming there are no grounds for a judicial review. “The right decision has been made with the court ruling that accurate planning advice and procedure has been followed by Runnymede Borough Council.” He also indicated that the costs awarded by the court would be contributed to a local charity in Englefield Green. An ongoing application concerning treehouses already constructed at the hotel is currently open for public feedback until 3 December.