Published on Thursday 18 November 2021
Having received the judgement following the case brought against the council by the Keyhole Bridge User Safety Group, Councillor Mike Greene, portfolio holder for Transport, said:
"We are pleased that the court has dismissed the main point of contention that the decision was "irrational". Indeed, the judge made clear that the claimant's argument did "not come close" to demonstrating that.
"The judge was not satisfied that the announcement was made 37 days short of the six-month period originally advertised. Our argument was that it was highly unlikely any evidence or argument would have come forward in that remaining time that would be substantially different from that which had already been made and considered.
"However, we are happy to respect its ruling that we should hold a non-statutory consultation for 40 days to rectify this in case genuinely new evidence can be presented which is significant enough to mean the decision could be changed. We would specifically ask those thinking about responding to that consultation to consider the judge's comment in the judgement that Those who have already responded ought not to send a further response, unless there is a genuinely new point to be made.
"Finally, we are also pleased that the judge has accepted there is no need to close the road again during this consultation."
Cllr Greene added: "We want our communities to feel engaged and included in key decisions affecting their local area. We hope the decision to run a further consultation for 40 days will provide a satisfactory outcome for all.’’
The 40-day online consultation exercise will run between February 28 and April 8 2022. Following the end of the consultation exercise a report on the findings will be brought to a future Cabinet meeting for a decision on which of the options to take forward.