A challenge to the adoption of Welwyn Hatfield's Local Plan has been unsuccessful at a High Court hearing.

After a decade-long saga, the Local Plan was finally adopted late last year, but a challenge to the lawfulness of the adoption was made by Aurora Properties Ltd.

But, before the court could consider the grounds of challenge, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Communities and Housing raised with the court that the claim had not been lodged and served within the relevant time period.

The matter was considered at a hearing at the High Court before Mr Justice Mould, who found that the claim had not been lodged and served within the relevant time period, which meant that the challenge was ultimately unsuccessful.

Cllr Rose Grewal, executive member for planning, said: “We are pleased that the challenge to the Local Plan has been successfully defended, and we are now looking forward to continuing the work to deliver the new homes and benefits that the plan will bring”.