Judge rejects developers plea to build hundreds of homes in Rochford (From Southend Standard)

Judge rejects developers plea to build hundreds of homes in Rochford

1:30pm Friday 21st September 2012 in Echo News By Emma Thomas

JUBILANT campaigners have spoken of their relief after a High Court Judge rejected a developer’s plea to build on green belt.

Cogent Land LLP wanted to build 251 homes on Coombes Farm, Rochford, and took Rochford District Council to court.

It argued the council’s plans, which set out where 1,785 houses will be built over the next 15 years, had denied them “natural justice” and attempted to have it overturned.

The council’s blueprint did not include Coombes Farm.

Mr Justice Singh, sitting at the High Court, rejected the developer’s claims.

Cogent Land bought Coombes Farm in 2008 under its previous name Colonnade. After its first plans were rejected, a legal battle ensued with Colonnade eventually withdrawing the plans in June.

In November last year, it held a public exhibition outlining plans for 260 homes on the site, which formed the basis of its latest application that was rejected.

Mr Justice Singh dismissed arguments the council had failed to give full enough reasons for its selection of potential development sites.
The council, he ruled, had adequately explained how it carried out the assessment of sites.

FULL STORY AND REACTION IN MONDAY'S ECHO.