Infrastructure Planning Commission receives first JR challenge

The Infrastructure Planning Commission, the body that until April 2012 will examine applications for nationally significant infrastructure projects, has received its first judicial review challenge.

The legal action is being brought by Innovia Cellophane and relates to a prospective application to build a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point in Somerset.

A report in Planning magazine says the challenge relates to the IPC’s grant to scheme promoter EDF Energy of access to Innovia’s land in Bridgwater for survey purposes.

The land is to be used for temporary accommodation. According to planning law specialist Angus Walker, it appears that the challenge may be on the grounds that ‘the construction or extension of dwellings’ cannot be part of an application to the IPC.

For more information on the judicial review process and the Planning Act regime, read Angus’ blog here.