A HIGH Court Judge has rejected a judicial review into the Cinderford Northern Quarter allowing work at the site to begin.

The Honourable Mr Justice Cranston made the decision to refuse a review after hearing objections from two claimants Derek Foster (on behalf of Dean Natural Alliance) and Tom Langton, relating to the impact of the development on a colony of bats.

The Council was found to have acted appropriately in determining the original planning application.

Councillor Patrick Molyneux, Leader of the District Council and cabinet member for Regeneration and Planning Policy said: “We are delighted with the High Court decision to refuse a further legal challenge.”

“The Council understands the vital importance and value of the ecology in the Northern Quarter and remains committed to ensuring any development is carried out sensitively in order to both protect the biodiversity and deliver much needed regeneration for Cinderford in particular and the wider District in general.

“This is great news for Cinderford and the wider district and we look forward to the project moving to the next stage - work on the new spine road in the Northern Court Judgment."

Full story in this week’s copy of The Forester.