High Court could consider eco-towns

The future of the government’s proposed eco-towns project is in danger after a judge ruled the entire programme should go before the High Court.

Following an application by lobby group Better Access Responsible Development, Honorable Justice Collins has ruled a full judicial review of the programme should proceed.

The ruling could see the government appear before the High Court before the end of the year.

Stephen Turnbull, planning lawyer at LG, said the judicial review could put the entire programme at risk.

“If ultimately the eco-towns policy is found to be unlawful by the courts, it will be back to square one,” he said.