R. (on the application of Griffin) v. Newham London Borough Council

Fight the Fights, an unincorporated local resident group challenged the decision of the Newham London Borough Council to grant consent to increase the number of flights permitted per year at the London City Airport because of concerns regarding impact on local residents and increased greenhouse gas emissions. The resident group challenged the consent on two grounds: (1) it was unlawful for the Council to grant the application without considering a change in the government policy on aviation and climate change; and (2) the Council failed to consult surrounding Councils and residents of those Burroughs. The court denied the challenge on both grounds. With respect to climate change and aviation, the court found that the increased flights did not contradict the current government policy, they were compatible with the 2050 reductions target and were consistent with the policy of making the best use of existing infrastructure.