Pickles challenged in court over scrapping house building targets

A decision is expected within days after a housebuilder went to the High Court last Friday to challenge the Government’s decision to scrap housebuilding targets.

Cala Homes argues that the decision by CLG Secretary Eric Pickles to abolish regional spatial strategies was unlawful because it required primary legislation and because no alternative arrangements were in place.

The challenge centres around Cala Homes’ proposals to build 2,000 homes at Bartons Farm, Winchester. The developer has had planning permission refused but is due to take this decision to appeal, with a public inquiry due in February. The company argues that no appeal can take place when there is an absence of planning policy.

Other developers have followed Cala Homes in accusing Mr Pickles of acting unlawfully.

Catesby Property Group wants to build 400 homes at Bude, Cornwall. Planning permission was refused, but at appeal, the inspector recommended approval. Pickles rejected this recommendation when the decision to scrap regional spatial strategies was made.

Colonnade Land wants to build a 326-home development in Rochford, Essex.

The National Housing Federation says that 85,000 homes which were to have been built have been shelved since targets were abandoned.

According to the NHBC’s latest figures, registrations to build new homes dipped from 9,954 in August to 9,033 in September.