We've heard back from the High Court...

What’s happening?

In December 2022 we let you know we hadn’t started construction on the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet scheme as initially planned. 

Planning permission (called a Development Consent Order) was granted by the Secretary of State back in August 2022 and we have been busy preparing for construction.

However Transport Action Network (TAN) submitted an application to the High Court for permission for a judicial review of the Secretary of State’s decision to grant the A428 Development Consent Order. They challenged the Secretary of State’s decision on three grounds - biodiversity, need for the scheme and climate change.

The high court decision

A judge at the High Court has now reviewed the application and has refused permission for a judicial review on all three grounds.

While this is positive news, the legal process is not complete as Transport Action Network has now requested that its application for permission for a judicial review be heard at a High Court oral hearing.

What’s next?

The High Court does not publish timescales and we are awaiting a date for the oral hearing.

We appreciate that these improvements are much needed and wanted by local people, motorists, and businesses, so we understand this is a frustrating time for those who recognise the importance of this scheme.  

While we are naturally disappointed that we have had to postpone the start of construction on the scheme, it’s important we respect the ongoing legal process.

Our plans will help transform the region, improving journeys between Milton Keynes, Bedford, St Neots and Cambridge by bringing communities together and supporting long-term regional growth.

As this is an ongoing legal case we are not able to provide any further information but are continuing to assess the impact and will provide further updates as soon as possible.