Forest and another v Tamworth Borough Council

PIL are acting for two claimants in an action against Tamworth Borough Council for its adoption of the Tamworth Local Plan 2001-2011 and, specifically, its allocation of the Anker Valley, the last significant remaining greenfield site in the Tamworth area, for a major housing development of 800 houses.

We on argue on our clients' behalf that the Council did not correctly follow government guidance in allocating the site for development. In particular, it misapplied the provisions of PPG3, which provides that previously-developed land should be developed in priority over greenfield land. We also argue that the Council miscalculated its available windfall allocations, which determine the amount of land likely to become available over the period of the Local Plan. As a result, the need for new housing was needlessly distorted.

A hearing at the High Court is likely to take place in early 2007. Counsel is Kate Olley of Landmark Chambers.