On Radio Devon this morning, lawyer and planning consultant, Charlie Hopkins  said that EDDC had  “acted unlawfully” over the controversial Cloakham Lawns Development at Axminster.

He is representing the Save our Parkland group of Axminster residents who are appealing in the High Court today against the planning approval granted to Axminster Carpets  to build 400 houses and industrial units on the greenfield site they own on the edge of the town. The plan is widely opposed by Axminster councillors and residents.

The case against EDDC is that they wrongly used the draft Local Plan to approve the development, and that they “acted unlawfully” in suggesting to the applicants that they should bring forward their plans in advance of the draft Local Plan being fully consulted upon in the town. It could cost EDDC (i.e. us!) up to £100,000 to defend their decision.

For more information see EDDC begins High Court challenge over housing at Axminster