Legal challenge over the Ox-Cam Expressway continues

Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) will be able to continue its claim against the government over the Oxford to Cambridge Expressway.

BBOWT is challenging the government over its failure to carry out environmental assessments for the Expressway.

In January 2019, BBOWT was refused permission to bring a claim against the government. However, in an oral hearing in February, the High Court overturned the original decision, allowing BBOWT to continue its claim against the government.

Their claim highlights the failure of Highways England to commission a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) or a Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA), as required by European law.

The Oxford to Cambridge Expressway is part of the government’s plans to build one million houses in the area spanning Cambridge, Milton Keynes and Oxford by 2050. BBOWT feel that the Expressway could have a devastating impact on valuable wildlife areas in the region.

More information is available on the BBOWT website.