Judicial review of Queensway Gateway road decision set for June 25-26 at High Court

June 1, 2015 by combehavendefenders

Royal Courts of Justice

The judicial review (brought by local man Gabriel Carlyle) of the decision by Hastings Council to grant planning permission for the Queensway Gateway road will be heard at the High Court in London on June 25-26. Can you come along and show your support for this important case?  There’ll be a photo-call outside on day one, from 9-10am: it would be great if lots of people were there!

When: Thurs 25 and Fri 26 June.  Photo call outside from 9-10 on 25th, then the case will be heard from 10.30am each day
Where: High Court, Strand, London WC2A 2LL
What: Bring a gas mask or placard if you can for the photocall on Thursday.  Come to the hearing on either day: see here for more information about visiting the High Court

A key element of the case is that if built, the road would cause air pollution which would breach national and EU directives on air qualitity in respect of nitrogen dioxide, which can cause serious respiratory problems. The impact of these high levels of nitrogen dioxide at various points along the planned road (including in two dwellings) is described in SeaChange’s own documentation as ‘substantial’ or ‘moderate’ adverse.  To highlight this, we’ll be wearing gas masks at the photocall: please bring one if you can!

The issue of air pollution is particularly significant in the light of a recent ruling by the Supreme Court in response to a case brought by NGO ClientEarth.  The ruling ordered the government to immediately draw up plans to ensure EU limits on air pollution are met.  ClientEarth’s lawyer, Alan Andrews, said: “Air pollution kills tens of thousands of people in this country every year. We brought our case because we have a right to breathe clean air and today the supreme court has upheld that right.”

People in Hastings and St Leonards also have a right to breathe clean air, as well as to have our green spaces protected.  We hope the ruling will reflect that.

More information: 07565 967 250