Defra’s failure to protect and restore water bodies ‘unlawful’, high court rules

Landmark finding in judicial review over management of Costa Beck river could force overhaul of government’s plans

The government and environment agency failed in their duty to restore and protect waterways from pollution, the high court has ruled in a significant case that could force an overhaul of the government’s plans.

Fish Legal and Pickering Fishery Association took the government to judicial review over its river basin management plan for the Costa Beck river in the Humber district, which had a reputation as one of the best fly fishing spots in the UK until a few years ago.