High Court judge refuses Christchurch leave to appeal ruling on Dorset reorganisation

Christchurch Borough Council has been refused leave to appeal by the High Court judge who rejected its judicial review challenge over local government reorganisation in Dorset.

Sir Ross Cranston announced his decision on Friday (10 August).

Earlier in the week he had dismissed Christchurch’s argument that the then Communities Secretary, Sajid Javid, had acted beyond his powers in passing the legislation to allow the reorganisation to go ahead.

Cllr David Flagg, Leader of Christchurch Borough Council, said: “Whilst we are disappointed with the decision of the judge to refuse leave to appeal the council has fought to represent the wishes of our residents throughout this process. The result of our local poll showed that 84% of residents who took part did not support local government reorganisation and it was important we pursued every avenue possible to prevent the abolition of the Council.

“We will now consider the advice of counsel and officers before making a decision about the best way forward.”

Under the proposals, 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.