Campaigners in Norfolk have had their initial application for a Judicial Review Hearing into changes at Gillingham Services turned down by the Administrative Court.
However, the Administrative Court’s decision is not final and can be appealed via an oral hearing.
The Friends of Gillingham (Norfolk) Community Interest Company is trying to overturn a decision that would double the size of Gillingham Services and turn it into a ‘rural retail park’.
Currently, the services off the roundabout between the A146 and A143 Norwich Road, include a petrol station, McDonald’s, KFC and Starbucks. South Norfolk Council gave planning permission for an EV charging hub (20 charging spaces), a Greggs, small M&S, a farm shop and six trade units to be added to the site. This was despite dozens of objections, including fears about increased noise and light pollution in the small village, which is home to fewer than 800 people.
The group’s co-director Sue McCabe told Forecourt Trader that they are steadfast in their resolve to protect the village’s green open spaces, biodiversity and local rural environment. She also thanked the many individuals and businesses who pledged their financial support.
An Oral Permission Hearing (Royal Courts of Justice) has been set by the Courts for Tuesday March 24, when the group will be represented by barrister, Charles Streeten. “At the hearing, we will have the opportunity to put forward each of our five grounds to the Judge assigned to hear our case, our aim being to renew our claim for Judicial Review.
“The outcome of the Oral Hearing is usually determined on the day, so fingers crossed that in our next update we will have ‘passed Go’ onto a full Judicial Review,” says McCabe.
