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Search the Public Notice PortalCampaigners fighting plans for up to 975 homes in Chalfont St Peter say they need at least £25,000 to continue their High Court challenge.
Sense4CSP says its remaining reserves cannot cover the legal work needed to pursue its challenge to the Epilepsy Society development off Chesham Lane.
The fundraising appeal follows the group’s announcement that a judge has granted permission for its case to proceed to a full oral hearing.
The Epilepsy Society previously defended the planning decision, saying it had no reason to believe the Secretary of State had failed to follow a fair or lawful process.
Sense4CSP says it has secured protection under the Aarhus Convention, limiting its potential liability for the other side’s costs to £10,000 if its challenge fails.
The group says it must still fund its own legal work.
In a message to supporters, Sense4CSP said: “Even with that protection in place, SENSE4CSP does not have sufficient reserves to fund the legal work required to pursue the case to its conclusion.”
The group said its £25,000 minimum target would help see the case through and ensure it could continue its objectives long term.
It thanked residents who had donated, volunteered, attended meetings and submitted objections, but said further support was urgently needed.
“It would be a massive shame if SENSE can’t continue its battle to protect Chalfont St Peter, on behalf of you all, due to lack of funds,” it said.
The group says its case sets out five grounds alleging errors in law. Its statement of facts and grounds was submitted to the High Court on August 5.
Sense4CSP said the court would list a hearing date in due course, with the hearing expected by the end of the year.
The challenge, brought under section 288 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, concerns whether the planning decision was made lawfully.
Permission for a hearing does not mean the court has found the approval unlawful. A successful challenge could result in the decision being quashed, requiring it to be reconsidered.
The Secretary of State approved the scheme on June 29 following a public inquiry. The land sale is expected to raise about £93 million for medical equipment and epilepsy research.
In its response to the hearing announcement, an Epilepsy Society spokeswoman said: “It is tragic that transformational research, as well as much-needed housing, is being further delayed in this way. We hope for a swift conclusion to this legal action.”
Donations can be made through Sense4CSP’s website.
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