Grantham bypass legal challenge turned down

The relief road would link the A1 to the A52 to the south of the town, close to a housing development

A housing group has lost a legal challenge to overturn permission for a relief road in Grantham.

The local council approved the bypass, and a housing development by Buckminster Estate, in 2013.

But Larkfleet Homes, which wants to build at a nearby site, argued that the environmental impact of the two schemes should have been considered together.

However, the Court of Appeal found there was a strong case to build the road even if houses were not built.

'Unwarranted challenge'

Carl Hick, chief executive of Larkfleet Homes, said he was disappointed with the outcome and that the firm would consider its options.

Plans for the relief road were approved by South Kesteven District Council two years ago with work due to start, while Buckminster Estate's development of 3,700 homes could begin in 2016.

Lincolnshire County Councillor Richard Davies, the Conservative cabinet member for highways said: "We are delighted that the court has once again ruled against the continued and unwarranted challenge which has plagued this road since it was first granted planning permission.

"It is very disappointing though, that at least £50,000 of taxpayers' money has now been wasted over the past two years defending a decision which was clearly the right one to have been taken."

In February, Mr Davies suggested the legal challenge was related to "commercial interests" but Lincolnshire-based Larkfleet Homes said it was only concerned about the environment.