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We are delighted that the high court has quashed Plymouth City Council’s decision to build five houses on Wilmot Gardens, a popular open space in Crownhill. The society gave financial support to local campaigners fighting to save this space.
Wilmot Gardens open space. Photo: Frank Hartkop
Unusually, when faced with court action from Frank Hartkopf, on behalf of local people, the council capitulated and itself applied to the court to have its own decision quashed. The court granted the relief requested by Frank Hartkopf and quashed the decision.
The grounds were that the council’s planning decision did not include a condition that the scheme would provide 100 per cent affordable housing. However, the objectors were also concerned that the application did not take account of national planning policy for the protection of green spaces and the biodiversity often associated with that green space.
Local people are now concerned that the council might grant permission for development here under delegated powers, without consultation and determination by the planning committee. They are keeping a close watch on this.
Says Kate Ashbrook, our general secretary: ‘We were pleased to offer financial support from our legal-action fund, to assist local campaigners in taking this to court. This is an excellent outcome so far. Wilmot Gardens is a vital open space in a part of Plymouth which lacks green spaces and recreational opportunities.
‘We trust that Plymouth City Council will abandon plans to develop this precious site, but if it is intent on doing so, it must be open and transparent in publicising future proposals so that local people can have proper input.’