High Court to Rule on Judicial Review for Large Warehouse Project

The High Court is set to determine if a judicial review will be granted concerning the construction of a substantial warehouse, an action prompted by multiple planning irregularities. Residents residing in Hooke Close, Corby, initiated the legal challenge after the North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) gave its approval for the new warehouse, having mistakenly consulted an incorrect street during the process. Currently, a two-day hearing is unfolding at the High Court in London, during which evidence is being presented, and a judge will ultimately decide whether to permit the judicial review. Georgie Wallis, a resident and the primary applicant in the review, stated that the legal action was pursued due to a “complete failure to consult residents”. The council initially granted permission for the site in 2022. However, the council only became aware of its mistake after a 60ft metal frame had been erected and residents voiced their complaints. It was discovered that council planning officers had dispatched notices to Hubble Road, situated approximately half a mile (750m) from the construction site, rather than to Hooke Close. Furthermore, planning notices were erroneously affixed to incorrect lampposts. An internal review conducted earlier this year concluded that the decision to approve planning permission for the substantial warehouse was not in accordance with legal requirements. Jason Smithers, who leads the North Northamptonshire Council, affirmed that the council intends to “fully cooperate with the hearing, if permission to appeal is granted”. The hearing is ongoing.