11/07/2012

Residents Lose Case Against Missile Siting

Residents of a London tower block have lost their High Court battle to prevent surface-to-air missiles being stationed on the roof of their building during the Olympics.

They had said having them on Fred Wigg Tower in Leytonstone, east London, would make them a terrorist target.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said the missile deployment is legitimate and proportionate.

The presiding judge said residents were "under something of a misapprehension" regarding the equipment and risks.

Mr Justice Haddon-Cave said he agreed with the MoD that a tower block was the only suitable site for missiles and the facts of the case were "not susceptible to a sensible challenge".

He added the MoD's voluntary engagement with the community over the plans was "immaculate" and the residents who challenged the missile sites had misunderstood the facts.

Justice Haddon-Cave said the MoD had no duty to consult, had not promised to and no "conspicuous unfairness" was caused by not consulting.

He added: "The law and the facts militate against the claim for judicial review.

"In my judgment the MoD's voluntary engagement with the community and residents in this matter were immaculate".

The 15-storey tower block is one of six locations selected for missiles to be stationed.

(H)


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