Winchester & Chandler's Ford MP Steve Brine has said it's 'fantastic news' after the High Court threw out a challenge by Zurich Assurance that could have re-opened Winchester's local plan and threatened once again a major development across acres of unspoilt Hampshire downlands.
Today (Tuesday 18th March 2014) saw the Queen's Bench Division of the High Court in London reject a bid by Zurich Assurance Limited to see Winchester District's Local Plan Part 1 be quashed or remitted for further examination.
Steve said; "This is a clear, common sense ruling from the High Court that will send a very clear message right across the country. Working alongside a massive engagement plan with residents, locally elected councillors drafted our new local plan and had it signed off by the Inspector last year. In doing so they did everything we in Government ask of them and ensured we locally retain control of future development in the District.
"This challenge showed a thorough discourtesy to us all and I thought Mr Justice Sales put it very well when he described Zurich's primary point of contention as 'contrived and unmeritorious.' This is fantastic news."
The MP paid tribute to the thousands of his constituents who have fought development in the area over many years, especially the Dever Society who he said have "led the line" on the issue.
Pictured; Steve Brine joined residents and members of the Dever Society back in 2008 after the last major victory saw plans by the then Labour Government to turn the site into an 'eco town' thrown out following a massive local campaign.
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Read the judgement in full (see link below)