A JUDICIAL review into the Government’s controversial £33billion High Speed 2 rail plan has been given the go-ahead.

The High Court review will take place in over a seven day period, starting from December 3.

Among the cases against HS2 which have prompted the decision is one lodged by 15 councils which are part of the 51m group, which is in fierce opposition to the plan.

The group has attacked the business case for the plan, believing it offers poor value for money and will not deliver the extra passenger capacity needed.

Buckinghamshire County Council leader Martin Tett, chairman of 51m, told the BFP this morning: “It’s a good decision, we’re really pleased. It’s good news, not just for the local people we represent but for hard pressed tax payers across the country.”

The HS2 plan would see a train route being built from London to Birmingham, cleaving through part of the Chilterns countryside in doing so.

Chiltern District Councillor Andrew Garnet added: “It’s not time to open the champagne bottle but we are going to get our day in court and have the chance to expose HS2’s deficiencies.”

The Government says the HS2 plan is vital for improving the country’s infrastructure and boosting its economy over the coming decades.