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High Court challenge over 900 homes on green belt

Nathaniel LawsonLocal Democracy reporter
Epilepsy Society A laboratory setting where an individual in a white lab coat and gloves is carefully using a pipette to transfer liquid into a rack of small test tubes. The workspace is well-equipped with scientific instruments, including a printer, storage cabinets, and additional pipettes arranged on the bench. A large window behind the workstation lets in natural light and reveals a view of nearby buildings and greenery outside. In the background, another person is seated at a desk working on a computer.Epilepsy Society
Clare Pelham, of the Epilepsy Society, said it was "tragic that transformational research, as well as much-needed housing" was being delayed

A campaign group and a council have challenged the approval of nearly 1,000 homes on green belt land, in the High Court.

SENSE4CSP and Buckinghamshire Council have sought to overturn the government's decision to allow the Epilepsy Society to sell land to a developer for housing in Chalfont St Peter.

The scheme would see up to 975 homes and other facilities built on the 300-acre (121-hectare) site off Chesham Lane.

The Epilepsy Society said it was disappointed by the legal action, adding that it would further delay "transformational" research and much-needed housing.

Google A blue sign with "epilepsy society" and "chalfont centre" written on it. It sits above "Chesham Lane" road sign. There is a pavement in the foreground and a large building with an archway in the background. Trees and hedges surround the signs. Google
The campaign group claimed there were grounds to challenge the way the government had assessed the project

The land forms part of the charity's estate and its sale is expected to raise about £93m for medical equipment and epilepsy research.

Plans were first submitted in September 2022, but after Buckinghamshire Council failed to reach a decision the proposal went to a public inquiry.

The secretary of state for housing, communities and local government approved the plans on 29 June, after agreeing with the recommendation of the planning inspector who oversaw a public inquiry into the proposals.

SENSE4CSP said it submitted a statement of facts and the grounds for its legal claim to the Royal Courts of Justice on 5 August.

A judge will now examine the campaigners' written case and decide whether it has reached the legal threshold required to proceed to a High Court hearing.

The campaign group said it expected to learn whether its challenge could move forward by the end of September or early October, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Geograph/David Hawgood A large, traditional brick building set back from a circular driveway. It features decorative timber framing on the upper sections and multiple white-framed windows, giving it a classic, institutional appearance. Leafless tree branches frame the scene, suggesting a cooler season, while small planters and bollards line the front entrance area. A person is visible walking near the building.Geograph/David Hawgood
The Epilepsy Society's Chalfont Centre has been the charity's home since it was founded in 1892

Steven Broadbent, the leader of Buckinghamshire Council, said: "I believe there are important questions about how the decision was made, particularly the balance between the benefits of the development and the impact on the green belt."

Clare Pelham, the chief executive of the Epilepsy Society, said: "This planning decision will unlock future funds for vital research which is potentially life-changing for hundreds of thousands of people with epilepsy in this country."

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