The hearing of the judicial review against the government’s approval of a Development Consent Order (DCO) for the re-opening of Manston airport predominantly as a freight airport for a second time began today before Mr Justice Dove.
The hearing followed the grant of permission by Mrs Justice Lieven DBE in March on two main grounds: the need for the development and climate change.
The Claimant, Ms Dawes, a local resident who successfully challenged an earlier decision granting a DCO in 2020, argued that the Secretary of State’s decision demonstrated a disregard for the questions the Minister himself had raised on both need and climate change and the independent advice he obtained as a result.
It was also contended that the minister was unlawfully advised that the potential for growth at other airports was not a material consideration, advice which was referred to as “downright peculiar” by Lieven J during the permission hearing.
Judgment is awaited.
Harrison Grant Ring solicitors act for the Claimant. Mr Richard Harwood KC and Gethin Thomas both of 39 Essex Chambers are instructed