LETTER: Cost to council of court action

Last week’s front page headline ‘£300k High Court bill for council tax payers’ and lead story (which covered discussion at the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 14 September) stated that an appeal to the High Court by the council, concerning a Planning Inspector’s decision to grant permission for new homes at West End Lane, Henfield, had cost taxpayers £300,000.

This is not correct. The total cost to the council was £16,823, broken down into Secretary of State’s costs of £7,033, a court fee of £465 and HDC Barrister fees of £9,325.

An application to the Court by Barratt Homes for an award of their costs, totalling £50,167, was defeated by HDC.

The council only pursued this High Court action after advice was sought from a senior planning barrister who felt we had a sound case to challenge the Inspector’s decision.

TOM CROWLEY

Chief executive, Horsham District Council, Chart Way, Horsham

Editor’s note: Our coverage was an entirely accurate report of what was said at the the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.We are, however, pleased to publish this letter clarifying the information that was discussed.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be among the first to know what’s going on.

1 Make our website your homepage at www.wscountytimes.co.uk

2 Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/wscountytimes

3 Follow us on Twitter @wscountytimes

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends – so they don’t miss out!

The County Times – always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.