Christchurch gets go-ahead for judicial review of Dorset reorganisation

A High Court judge has granted Christchurch Borough Council permission for its judicial review challenge over the proposed local government reorganisation in Dorset.

Mrs Justice Lambert ordered that the case be expedited and heard in the High Court as soon as possible by 27 July.

Under the proposals, backed by former Communities Secretary Sajid Javid, Christchurch is due to become part of a new unitary through a merger with Bournemouth and Poole councils. Another 'rural' unitary would be established from East Dorset, North Dorset, Purbeck, West Dorset and Weymouth & Portland. The county council would cease to exist.

Cllr David Flagg, Christchurch's Leader, said: “Christchurch Borough Council firmly believes the regulations that have passed through Parliament approving the creation of two new unitary councils in Dorset are ultra vires.

“Based on the local poll we believe the majority of our residents remain opposed to local government reorganisation in Dorset and being granted permission to have our judicial review application heard in the High Court demonstrates that we have an arguable case.

“Whilst the Government might believe that our case is absurd that it is clearly not the view of the Judge and we believe we have a strong legal argument. The council has been thorough and meticulous in its approach and being granted permission sends a strong message that the case is wholly with merit. I am pleased that we are able to continue to challenge the abolition of Christchurch Borough Council in line with the wishes of those we were elected to represent and we will continue to do so.”

A barrister’s opinion initially told Christchurch that it lacked any realistic path to a legal challenge.

But the council said in May that it had identified another route involving alleged misuse of secondary legislation.

Christchurch said its officers would now work with its legal advisors preparing the case for a substantive hearing.