The British Property Federation (BPF) has called for government to consider further reforms to streamline the judicial review process and reduce the unnecessary delay and cost to development projects.

Last month, Justice Secretary Chris Grayling announced a number of changes to the Judicial Review process which acknowledged the inefficiency of the present system and its susceptibility to 'cheap delaying' tactics. The proposals announced in April include:


• Halving the time limit for applying for a judicial review of a planning decision from three months to six weeks

• The introduction of a £215 court fee for anyone seeking a hearing in person after their initial written judicial review application has been turned down

• Banning people from seeking a hearing in person if their initial written application has been ruled as totally without merit.

Liz Peace, Chief Executive of the BPF, said: "Changes to the judicial review process are long overdue and whilst these reforms mark a step in the direction, further consideration needs to be given to sensible measures that would expedite the process."

(CD)