Council made aware of Magna Park legal challenge

Developers DB Symmetry have submitted a judicial review to the Planning Court – a specialist court within the High Court – relating to IDI Gazeley’s planning permission for a storage and distribution centre on land to the north west of Mere Lane, Bittesby.

Harborough District Council resolved to approve IDI Gazeley’s application (reference 15/00919/FUL), subject to a number of conditions, on 13 July 2016, following the completion of a Section 106 agreement, which included, developer contributions towards Community infrastructure, the decision notice was issued on 25 October 2016.

Two further planning applications for storage and distribution centres – one submitted by DB Symmetry and another submitted by IDI Gazeley – are due to be considered by Harborough District Council in 2017.

A Judicial review is a type of court proceeding in which a judge reviews a decision or action made by a public body. It is not concerned with the merits of the decision or outcome, but instead determines if the appropriate requirements  have been followed.

Cllr Jo Brodrick, Harborough District Council’s portfolio holder for planning and regeneration, said: "We have been served with a claim for a judicial review. We are presently considering the grounds and will respond as appropriate.” 

IDI Gazeley has been granted approval to build a 100,844sqm storage and distribution centre with offices on land adjoining and linked to Magna Park, including formation of an access road from Magna Park, erection of gatehouse, creation of roundabouts, partial realignment of Mere Lane and upgrading of the A5 road to dual carriageway, creation of drainage facilities and associated infrastructure and landscaping works.