R (on the application of Samuel Smith Old Brewery (Tadcaster) and others) (Respondents) v North Yorkshire County Council (Appellant)

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Case summary

Case ID

UKSC/2018/0077

Parties

Appellant(s)

North Yorkshire County Council

Respondent(s)

(1) Samuel Smith Old Brewery (Tadcaster); (2) Oxton Farm

Darrington Quarries Ltd

Issue

Whether the appellant council misapplied paragraph 90 of the National Planning Policy Framework when considering mineral extraction in the Green Belt.

Facts

The appellant council granted planning permission for the extension of a mineral extraction site which is situated in the Green Belt. One of the council’s planning officers had recommended that planning permission should be granted. The National Planning Policy Framework sets out various matters which must be considered before the determination of such planning applications. Paragraph 90 of the framework, amongst other things, refers to preservation of “the openness of the Green Belt”. The respondents issued proceedings in the High Court, seeking judicial review of the decision to grant planning permission. They argued that the council had misapplied the policy framework when making its decision. The judge disagreed and dismissed their claim. The respondents appealed to the Court of Appeal, which allowed their appeal and quashed the decision to grant planning permission.