Legal briefs: Parish council challenges Pickles decision

Parish Council challenges secretary of state decision

Stoke Poges Parish Council has confirmed that it has started legal proceedings over the decision by communities secretary Eric Pickles to authorise the continued use of Pioneer House in Stoke Poges, north of Slough, as a Free School - against the recommendation of a planning inspector who concluded local residents would suffer unacceptable levels of noise and disruption.

Stoke Poges Parish Council 

New Asda for Lydney as Tesco fails in bid to block new superstore

Tesco has failed in its bid to block rival retailer Asda from opening a new superstore in Lydney, Gloucestershire. Asda will now proceed with its plans to build an out-of-town store after High Court judges threw out complaints from its rival that the Forest of Dean District Council was wrong to give planning permission for the scheme, which Tesco claimed would harm town centre trade.

Gloucester Citizen 

District uses S215 TCPA powers to prosecute property owners over state of gardens

North West Leicestershire District Council has used its powers under section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to prosecute six people for having untidy gardens. At a hearing at Leicester Magistrates’ Court, the defendants were ordered to pay court fines and costs of between £15 and £700 depending on their offence. One couple will have to pay a total of £920 – their garden was also found to be home to a pig.

Local Government Lawyer