Dentons advises David Wilson Homes on Court of Appeal success in planning challenge

London-Dentons has advised David Wilson Homes (South Midlands) Limited (DWH) on its successful defence of a challenge to the legality of Reserved Matters approval for a development of up to 153 homes at Maids Moreton, Buckinghamshire.

Two Judicial Review claims were brought in the High Court in 2025 by an environmental charity and a local resident. Following a joint substantive hearing, the Court dismissed both claims on all grounds. Dentons represented DWH in the proceedings.

One claimant was granted permission to appeal on two grounds and was heard on 18 February 2026. The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal and upheld the High Court's decision, confirming that the Reserved Matters approval had been lawfully granted.

The development has a litigious history; the outline planning permission for the development was also challenged in 2022 in High Court proceedings that resulted in the claim being dismissed. Dentons has advised DWH throughout each stage of the litigation.

Michele Vas, Partner in Dentons' Planning and Public Law team, said: "We are delighted to have supported DWH in securing this outcome at the Court of Appeal. The development has faced a number of judicial review challenges at every stage of the consenting process, creating delay and uncertainty for the developer. We hope that this judgment will now allow these much-needed homes to come forward in Buckinghamshire."

Michele Vas, Partner, and Thomas Horner, Associate, advised DWH.

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