A group campaigning to save their local playing field from development has today called for a judicial review into the council's refusal to award the land village green status.
The RREEL Action Group put forward a formal letter to Cardiff council at today's full meeting at City Hall as the final bid to protect their beloved Rumney Recreation Ground from becoming land for a new high school.
The letter from Vaughan Gething – the residents' legal representative – outlines why the group feel the council's refusal to register the land as village green following a public inquiry is unlawful.
The public protection committee earlier this month voted to support the findings of an independent inspector Leslie Blohm QC who said there was no evidence to support the application for village green status following a three-day public inquiry.
The council intends to build on the land as part of its schools reorganisation plans in Cardiff east. The new Llanrumney High School could be opened as soon as September 2013 if a planning application is granted.
Don Taylor, chair of RREEL, said:
"We committed to fighting to save the Rec for current and future generations. We believe we have a very reasonable case that the decision was wrong. Councillor Derrick Morgan warned the public protection committee that we were contemplating this action.
"We still believe this could be resolved without spending more council tax payers' money. However the ball is in the council's court. We had no choice but to take this step to protect the community's interest."
Vaughan Gething, the Assembly Candidate for Cardiff south and Penarth and the lawyer assisting RREEL said:
"The letter delivered today is the first formal stage before issuing any court proceedings. There are serious concerns about the advice the council are relying upon. The council now have 14 days to respond."
Read the rest of our posts on the Rumney Recreation Ground public inquiry here. What do you think about this development? Leave your comments below.
