High Court case against Herefordshire Council under way

Details remain scant about a legal challenge being brought against Herefordshire Council by the National Farmers Union (NFU), being heard at the High Court in London today (December 11) and tomorrow.

All that is known so far known is that the council is facing a judicial review of the county’s minerals and waste local plan, the outcome of which is now expected until late January or early February.

The issue is believed to related to provisions in the plan aimed at monitoring and restricting pollution from farms getting into local waterways.

“As this is part of an ongoing legal process, we are unable to provide any further information or comment at this time,” a council spokesperson said.

Likewise NFU vice president Rachel Hallos said: “The NFU cannot discuss ongoing legal proceedings.

“However, we fully appreciate the importance of protecting the nation’s rivers and Britain’s farmers recognise their businesses have a major role to play, alongside producing food, in improving water quality.”

But she added: “It is important that any controls or restrictions on farming are introduced using appropriate policy measures, following consultation with, and consideration of the impacts on, the agricultural sector.

“This case is about whether these requirements have been met.”