Legal briefs: Forest of Dean ‘man cave’ appeal fails

High Court throws out ministerial intervention over County Cork development plan

A High Court judge has upheld a challenge by Cork County Council over a ministerial direction requiring it to ditch a change to its development plan on retail policy.

The Planner

Forest of Dean ‘man cave’ appeal fails

The Court of Appeal has rejected an appeal by Graham Wildin, the millionaire accountant who illegally put up a building in the garden of his home in Cinderford dubbed ‘Britain’s biggest man cave’ over a judgment that he was in contempt of court following planning enforcement action instigated in 2018 by the Forest of Dean District Council. This required him to demolish the building, which housed a cinema, bowling alley, casino, squash courts and a bar. Mr Wildin has been given until 10 March 2022 to comply with the order to complete the required work if he is to avoid prison. The council said it had been awarded substantial costs as part of the hearing.

Local Government Lawyer

Intimidation fears over Hertfordshire warehouse scheme

Party political leaders at the Three Rivers District Council in Hertfordshire have taken the unusual step of issuing a joint statement about the “increasing level of threats, aggression and intimidation” councillors and officers have faced ahead of a decision over a contentious planning application for a 16,115-square-metre warehouse development at Maple Cross.

Local Government Lawyer

Bembridge Harbour development judicial review dismissed

A trust’s second effort to stop a development at Bembridge Harbour on the Isle of Wight has failed after the High Court dismissed its application for a judicial review on all grounds.

Local Government Lawyer

Residents go to court over County Kildare quarry scheme

A group of residents in Ballyshannon in County Kildare is heading to court in a bid to quash planning approval for sand and gravel extraction at a quarry at Kilcullen.

Irish Times

Dublin flats developer contests condition banning corporate sales

Bartra, the developer behind the proposed fast-track redevelopment of Dublin’s O’Devaney Gardens, is challenging a condition required by An Bord Pleanála’s approval announced in September that bans corporate entities from buying any of the properties. The developer claims this stricture will dent the scheme’s viability.

Irish Independent

County Mayo chicken farm consent quashed

The High Court has made an order quashing planning permission for a chicken farm at Castlebar in County Mayo following a challenge by a neighbour.

Irish Times

Salford CPO ruling

Salford City Council must pay a landowner £5.6 million after compulsorily purchasing its site at Salford City Wharf, well below the £11.2 million claimed but more than the council’s £3 million valuation. The land in question formed part of a regeneration scheme.

Local Government Lawyer

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