What’s just happened?
From renewable energy to vegan trainers, our world is constantly evolving to become more environmentally friendly. As of recently, a group of campaigners in South Oxfordshire[1] have decided to challenge the local council’s approval of a new home development project, by a judicial review. The £3.6million project is set to build 30,000 homes by at least 2035[2], situated near Oxford United’s Kassam Stadium.
What does this mean?
On paper, the building project appears to yield many benefits from a financial perspective. In a time where unemployment in the UK has risen by 5%[3], the prospects of a housing project will improve this on a local scale by providing employment for construction workers, architects structural engineers, and other workers. In the long term, it would help to boost the local economy since local restaurants and other leisure facilities will have more customers to cater for in a prime location. Moreover, the building project provides a direct response to the current housing crisis by utilising unused land[4].
Despite these financial benefits, environmental campaigners are concerned about the detrimental impact that the project can have on the environment. Director of Bioabundance and South Oxfordshire councilor, Sue Roberts, has been actively involved in the plans to challenge the approval of the project. She states that ‘Un-needed housing is no rationale for worsening climate breakdown and the collapse of the natural world[5]’.
The construction of thousands of homes upon Green Belt land will destroy an open space that was once enjoyed as public footpaths. Furthermore, this signifies a departure from the aims of the Climate Change Act 2008 due to the increased generating of carbon emissions[6].
How does this affect the legal sector?
A successful judicial review claim could result in the court issuing a quashing order to overturn the local council’s approval of the project, thus preventing the development from being carried out. In turn, this could lead to more legal challenges against other big planning projects. Furthermore, it would persuade more law firms to exercise due diligence to ensure that real estate development projects comply with the governmental targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
As habits shift and incremental steps are taken to create a greener economy, it is clear that the legal sector will be re-shaped. In the future, it is likely that more clients will be advised to adopt environmentally sustainable practices.
Written by Laura Avevor
Assessing firms:
#PinsentMasons #GibsonDunn #Freshfields #Hausfeld&Co #Linklaters #SlaughterandMay #Allen&Overy #AddleshawGoddard
References:
[1] David Lynch, ‘South Oxfordshire Local Plan facing a judicial review challenge’ (Oxford Mail, 23rd January 2021) <https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/19033074.south-oxfordshire-local-plan-facing-judicial-review-challenge/> accessed 24th January 2021.
[2] <https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-55825679> accessed 29th January 2021.
[3] https://www.businessinsider.com/uk-unemployment-highest-level-5-years-coronavirus-lockdowns-2021-1.>accessed 29th January 2021.
[4] <https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/planning-construction-news/housing-crisis-uk-issue/85391/>accessed 24th January 2020.
[5] n(2).
[6] n(2).
Disclaimer: This article (and any information accessed through links in this article) is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.