Press Release
1st October 2020
High Court Refuses TASC Coronation Wood appeal but TASC resolved to continue battle against Sizewell C development
Campaigners’ efforts to protect Coronation Wood from being felled as part of EdF’s Sizewell C nuclear development suffered a blow today when they learned that the judicial review challenge, brought by TASC supporter Joan Girling has been dismissed.
The challenge, heard on September the 8th in the High Court, relates to a judicial review of the decision by East Suffolk Council in Sept 2019 to grant planning permission to the giant French energy company, EdF, to cut down and destroy the ecology of the 100 year-old Coronation Wood to create more space for the Sizewell C nuclear development. No decision was made on the day.
The judgment of the Hon. Mr Justice Holgate, who heard the claim, was handed down this morning in the High Court. TASC are disappointed to learn that the case has been dismissed, a decision which puts the future of the wood in grave and imminent danger of being felled. Coronation Wood, a much-loved local amenity which is appreciated by residents and tourists alike for its wildlife value and for acting as a visual and sound screen from the Sizewell nuclear complex.
Joan Girling said “This decision is not the one that the many supporters of the case for retaining the wood wished to hear and it flies in the face of all consideration for the natural environment and the AONB. Particularly when there is no certainty that SZC will be given consent or built. TASC and I will be considering our options regarding the court’s decision with our lawyers. We remain totally resolute in retaining our stance against EDF’s destructive plans for Sizewell and the wider Suffolk environment.”
Chris Wilson, TASC Press Officer said, ‘We are extremely disappointed with the court’s ruling. Upholding the decision of East Suffolk Council removes any impediment to the premature destruction of Coronation Wood and Pillbox Field to make way for the construction of Sizewell C, before the application for a Development Consent Order to build the new nuclear power station has even been considered by the Planning Inspectorate. This has not diminished TASC’s resolve to fight EdF’s plans to desecrate Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB with Sizewell C. TASC are indebted to Joan Girling for bringing this case.”
‘TASC would like to thank its legal team from Leigh Day and barristers David Wolfe QC and Ashley Bowes, for taking the case and for their guidance through this challenge. We also extend our sincere gratitude to all the individuals who responded so generously to the crowd-funding appeal for this case.’
For further information, contact:
Chris Wilson – Press Officer, 07976 820524
Pete Wilkinson – Chairperson, 01728 660232/08940 524831
Jenny Kirtley – Deputy Chairperson, 01728 668546/07986 317478
Joan Girling – 01728 830965
