WASTE PLAN CHALLENGE THROWN OUT

The Waste Local Plan sets out planning guidance on how waste should be dealt with in the future and where key waste facilities should be developed.

The challenge was mounted by Newhaven resident, Nicola Day, in a bid to have parts of the plan declared null and void.

Evidence was heard by the High Court last month (October). Announcing his decision, the judge, Mr Justice Collins, found that the arguments against the Plan were unsubstantiated and that work carried out in developing the Waste Local Plan by East Sussex County Council and Brighton & Hove City Council had been transparent and had followed a sensible course of action.

Commenting on the judgement, County Council Leader Peter Jones, said: "This High Court challenge was a slur against the hard work of councillors and officers at both councils. We take our legal duties, such as the Waste Local Plan, extremely seriously and have worked tirelessly and carefully to develop a waste plan for the county and the city which is fit for purpose.

"However, what really infuriates me, is what a pointless and outrageous waste of public money this legal challenge has been.

"The cost to defend this challenge has been tens of thousands of pounds and countless months of dedicated officer time, which could have been used to fund, and deliver, essential council services. And so, ultimately, it is the people of East Sussex who have had to pay the price of this farce."

Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council Simon Burgess added: " This judgement confirms that the Waste Local Plan we have produced is of the highest quality. It has taken 10 years to construct, has been through rounds of public consultation and has been approved by the government."

Because the councils pressed to have the case heard early, it has not prevented the councils considering applications for waste facilities.