A High Court judge has rejected two legal challenges aimed at halting the construction of 170 new homes in Maids Moreton, Buckinghamshire.
Environmental charity WildFish argued that Buckinghamshire Council had unlawfully approved changes to the development without proper public consultation. The charity also raised concerns about the local sewage system, warning it could be overwhelmed by the extra demand and potentially pollute nearby waterways, including the River Great Ouse.
A separate challenge was brought by resident Jane Wood, who focused on biodiversity issues. She claimed that nature gains linked to the development had been overstated and that councillors had been misled by planning officers’ reports, which she described as “significantly misleading” and “insufficiently investigated.”
However, Justice Lang DBE dismissed both challenges, ruling that the council had acted in accordance with planning law. The development is now allowed to proceed, but the judge emphasised that no homes may be occupied until necessary sewage system upgrades have been completed to prevent environmental harm.
WildFish had called for a fresh environmental screening, highlighting potential risks to rivers and the wider ecosystem. Meanwhile, Ms Wood’s claims over biodiversity figures raised questions about how nature gains were calculated and communicated during the planning process.
The ruling clears the way for the project, which was first granted outline permission in 2022, and confirms that proper legal and procedural steps were followed by the council.
