Bristol Airport campaigners set up fighting fund for legal challenge
set up a fighting fund to launch a legal challenge against the decision to allow
the development to go ahead. Stop Bristol Airport Expansion (SBAE) is appealing
to the public to donate money towards the cost of legal fees so it can challenge
the council’s decision to back the scheme.
meeting in May. But the final decision on whether the development can go ahead
lies in the hands of the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government,
Eric Pickles as some of the development – more airport parking – is in green belt
land. He will decide whether to call a public inquiry or allow the council’s decision
to stand.
challenge against North Somerset’s approval, claiming there is no current Government
policy to support its decision. SBAE leaders say they have been advised that the
airport application is open to legal challenge because it is based on the 2003
Government aviation policy. The policy was recently ruled as out of date by a
High Court judge who said it was not compatible with the 2008 Climate Change Act.
The move could signal the first test case for the new Government’s regional airport
expansion plans.
to our legal adviser, who is one of the best campaigning lawyers in the country.
It’s crucial that we maintain this legal support, which is why we are asking for
more financial support from local residents.’
Street, Bristol, BS1 4QD.