Pickles Faces High Court Challenge Over Decision to Scrap Housebuilding Targets

The Communities Secretary has been accused of unlawfully scrapping regional housing targets in pursuit of the Government's "big society" initiative. Housing developers asked the High Court to block the move, arguing that Eric Pickles had abused his powers. Peter Village QC, appearing for Cala Homes (South) Ltd, told a judge Mr Pickles was seeking to revoke regional strategies through an executive decision. Mr Village argued primary legislation should have been introduced, giving Parliament the opportunity to debate an issue crucial to future planning in England. Mr Pickles' decision "struck at the heart of parliamentary democracy". Cala Homes was asking Mr Justice Sales, sitting in London, to intervene and quash the secretary of state's action. Read more on 24dash.