Delight as Judge Throws Out Legal Challenge to Consented 10,000 Home Scheme

Posted by UK Property Forums on 22nd September 2025 -

A legal challenge to the consented 10,000-home Harlow & Gilston Garden Town has been thrown out.

East Herts Council approved the scheme, which includes seven new primary schools, two new secondary schools and 2,300 new affordable homes, in January.

It promised to attract more than £1.3 billion in investment.

But claimants took it to the High Court in a bid to overturn the council’s decision, citing nine wide-ranging grounds but all were dismissed by Justice Lang.

Cllr Vicky Glover-Ward, executive member for planning and growth for East Herts Council, said: “We welcome the judge’s decision today to uphold the original ruling and reject the grounds for a legal challenge.

 “The council, together with its Harlow and Gilston Garden Town partners, has worked diligently over many years to bring these plans to the point of approval, and we are pleased that the court recognised this today.

 “We hope this decision draws a line under a process that only delays the delivery of much-needed new housing, including 2,300 homes for people currently struggling to get onto the property ladder.

“Alongside new homes, the plans will provide vital infrastructure, jobs, leisure and community facilities such as healthcare. In total, the development is expected to bring over £1.3bn of investment into the region, benefitting both existing and future communities for generations to come.”