THE Welsh Government has confirmed it is pursuing £10,000 towards legal costs associated with a failed legal challenge against its decision to go ahead with the black route for the M4 relief road.
On Thursday, a High Court judge rejected a Friends of the Earth Cymru challenge, which said the Welsh Government did not do enough to assess alternative options to the chosen route, which could have less of an impact on the environment.
The black route, which will be built across the Gwent Levels, is anticipated to cost £1 billion.
A Welsh Government spokesman said: “Our legal costs directly related to the Judicial Review stand in the region of £85,000 inc VAT.
"The Aarhus Convention on access to information, public participation in decision-making and access to justice in environmental matters means that in proceedings of this nature, the defendant’s rights to recover its legal costs from the claimant is limited to a maximum of £10,000.”
In response, Gareth Clubb, director at Friends of the Earth Cymru, said it was a "significant sum".
He said: “£10,000 is a very significant sum for an environmental charity. We’ll have to assess the work we won’t now be able to undertake.
"Our work is always focused on protecting the people of Wales from threats such as air pollution, the loss of biodiversity and the impacts of climate change.”
Rachel Sharp, CEO of Wildlife Trusts Wales, who supported FoE Cymru, said that they are "very concerned" that the Welsh Government has chosen to pursue FoE Cymru for £10,000 towards their legal costs.
She added: “FoE Cymru supported by Gwent Wildlife Trust, are trying to protect the amazing wildlife of the Gwent Levels which the Welsh Government should, and have a legal obligation to, conserve and enhance.
"The public, as part of the democratic process, look to charities to challenge Government decisions that impact the environment. However, the government has chosen to pursue FoE Cymru for costs which could stifle further legitimate opposition.
"We urge the Welsh Government to drop the costs order against FoE Cymru.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel