The High Court has overturned a UK government decision to allow the development of Manston Airport into a cargo hub, reports HLPFI’s sister title Air Cargo News.
The court quashed a development consent order (DCO) granted by the government in July last year after campaigners asked for a judicial review.
The project developer, RiverOak Strategic Partners (RSP), said that all parties had agreed with the judicial review.
“The order allows the judicial review on the ground that the secretary of state for transport did not give adequate reasons for his decision. It also quashes the Manston DCO and orders costs in favour of the applicant.
“The effect of the order made today is only to require the decision to be re-taken following a further representation period, it does not reverse any earlier stages of the process. The secretary of state is likely to explain the reasons for his decision in more detail this time round.”
Campaigners are concerned about the environmental and noise impact of the project.
They point out that the approval goes against the recommendation of the planning inspectorate, which said that the development would affect the UK government’s ability to meet its climate targets.
Read more on Air Cargo News.
