Coombes Farm and Eric Pickles Pickles' letter - Part 2

In my post of 10th November I wrote about Cala Homes' successful challenge to Eric Pickles decision to revoke regional house planning strategies. At the time, the Government response was that the High Court decision made little difference to its plans. The Localism Bill, to be guided through Parliament in 2011, would clear up any uncertainties and in the meantime the fact that this Law is due to be added to the Statute Book means that it can remain a "material consideration" by Councils when considering planning applications. Cala Homes' legal team is obviously intent on wiping Pickles' nonchalant smile off his face, as they're seeking to take him back to the High Court for a second time. Amongst other things, they are disputing the Government's statement that their intended legislation can be taken as a material consideration. As there is no Act of Parliament, yet, to replace existing legislation covering house building targets, Cala Homes wants a Judge to agree that planning decisons must be made on the basis of current legislation in place, ie the previous Government's housing targets, and no legal weight can attach to legislation that has not yet been passed. From where I sit, despite the fact I want Coombes Farm to be protected against any development and therefore want the Government to succeed in its aims, I foresee Eric Pickles' nose being rubbed in it once again. And, sadly, I can only think of one word to summarise the situation we now find ourselves in. Incompetence.