The High Court has dismissed a judicial review which argued that Dorset Council has the power to enforce planning rules over the Bibby Stockholm barge at Portland.
Lawyers for Carralyn Parkes said their client is “disappointed that a loophole continues to exist” whereby the Home Office can “avoid” local authority oversight of its use of the barge as a home for asylum seekers.
Mrs Parkes’ legal team said: “The judgment finds that neither the marine licensing regime nor the terrestrial planning regime applies to the barge, and the court was unwilling to interpret legislation to close this loophole and give effect to the purpose of planning law, which is to allow local communities to have a say over the development in their area. Our client is currently considering whether to appeal the judgment.”
The High Court ruling confirmed Dorset Council has the power to exercise planning authority over the onshore aspects of the Bibby Stockholm operation, including quayside security, embarkment, smoking and transportation areas.
The council stated throughout the proceedings that it “continues to consider” whether it should exercise planning control over those onshore areas.
The lawyer’s spokesperson added: “Our client is deeply grateful for the solidarity and support of the many people who have supported the legal action, including many contributors to the crowdfunder, which made the case possible, and campaigners and local residents raising the concerns and perspectives of those onboard and directly affected.”
n A summary and full text of the judgment can be found at judiciary.uk/judgments/r-parkes-v-dorset-council