Judicial review into Norwich Airport engine tests

  • Published

A couple from Norfolk has won the right to a judicial review into planning permission for aircraft engine testing on the ground at Norwich Airport.

A High Court judge granted Gill and Peter Cook the right to challenge Norwich City Council's decision to allow tests by KLM UK Engineering.

The Cooks live on a Spixworth farm that is 500m (1,640ft) from the test site.

The couple said they would argue that four points in the planning process were unlawful.

Before planning was granted KLM UK Engineering had been testing at an unauthorised site at the airport for five years.

Court date

In May 2010 city councillors agreed KLM and the airport could move the site and continue restricted testing but only at 78 decibels or below.

At the time KLM argued 400 jobs depended on the facility.

Amy Lyall, of Norwich City Council, said: "We are aware that there is to be a judicial review of this case, and we are waiting for the court to set a date, which is expected to be in a few months."

Ms Lyall said the council could not comment further on the case.

A spokesman for Norwich Airport said it was aware of the legal challenge by the Cooks and although it was a matter between the couple and the council it would be keeping a close eye on the process.

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