Robert Zachery Cox, R (on the application of) v Forestry Commission

Robert Zachery Cox, R (on the application of) v Forestry Commission

The application is refused because the challenge is to a long-established policy, not a new decision; the claim was not brought promptly; no new material facts justify review; and there is no legal duty to provide reasons for ongoing clear-felling under the adopted policy.

Parties
Claimant: Robert Zachary Cox; Defendant: Forestry Commission
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
11 October 2024
Procedural Posture
Judicial Review / Renewed Application for Permission
Outcome
Permission for judicial review refused
Legal Topics
Judicial Review, Clear Felling Policy, Forestry Management, Protected Species, Procedural Impropriety, Human Rights

Case Brief

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Parties

Robert Zachary Cox

Claimant

Forestry Commission

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Judicial Review / Renewed Application for Permission

  1. 1 Whether the refusal to review and continue the clear-felling policy is unlawful
  2. 2 Whether the claim was brought promptly
  3. 3 Whether there is a material factual change justifying review of the policy

Ratio Decidendi

The application is refused because the challenge is to a long-established policy, not a new decision; the claim was not brought promptly; no new material facts justify review; and there is no legal duty to provide reasons for ongoing clear-felling under the adopted policy.

Court Disposition

Permission for judicial review refused

Orders

  • Renewed application for permission for judicial review refused
  • Capped costs of £5,000 awarded to the Defendant