Bluestone appeal refusal 'deeply disappointing'

20 July 2005

The Court of Appeal has missed an opportunity to clarify the legal rules for deciding major planning applications in the National Parks (1), claims the Council for National Parks (CNP).  The Court has today rejected a challenge by CNP (2) against the High Court's judgment (3) on the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority's approval (4) of the Bluestone holiday village.

Ruth Chambers, CNP's Head of Policy, said: "Allowing the Bluestone holiday village to go ahead has muddied the waters for the public and developers alike.  The Court's ruling has missed an opportunity to clarify the rules governing major developments in the National Parks".

Sylvia Davies, CNP's Welsh Affairs Officer, added: "This judgment is at odds with a recent survey (5) of the public which has revealed that 57% of people visit National Parks for their dramatic scenery and 56% come for the peace and quiet.  These qualities would be jeopardised by the Bluestone development".

Ruth Chambers concluded: "This judgment is deeply disappointing for everyone who cares about National Park protection and as a result we are considering the possibility of a final appeal to the House of Lords".

Notes to Editors

1.              The Court of Appeal heard the appeal on 17 June 2005.  The judgment was handed down on Wednesday 20 July in Court No. 75 at the Royal Courts of Justice.

2.              CNP is the national charity that works to protect and enhance the National Parks of England and Wales, and areas that merit National Park status, and promote understanding and quiet enjoyment of them for the benefit of all.

3.              On 17 December 2004 the High Court judge Mr Justice Jack held that the decision to grant permission for the Bluestone development - comprising 340 timber lodges, a brand new "village", sports club and sewage-treatment works - was lawful. 

4.    The Park Authority's development control committee approved the outline planning application on 28 January 2004.

5.    "The Great Outdoors" survey carried out for the Association of National Park Authorities.

Contact:  Ruth Chambers, Head of Policy, 020 7924 4077 ext. 222 / 07769 676 397

                Sylvia Davies, Welsh Affairs Officer, 029 2045 0433 / 07779 718 224

For press queries please contact:
Ruth Chambers, Head of Policy on
020 7924 4077 ext. 222