Ocado has lost a High Court challenge over the opening of a distribution and storage centre near a primary school in North London.
The pureplay grocer had taken legal action against Islington Council after it blocked approval for it to open a distribution centre at Bush Industrial Estate in Tufnell Park.
However the High Court today dismissed a claim for judicial review of the decision bought by the grocer.
The ruling came after residents raised concerns about air pollution, and the impact of deliveries on a nearby primary school.
A big win for the Nocado campaign
Ocado said it was “disappointed” by the ruling, claiming its proposed site would have been “the greenest and quietest grocery facility in the UK”.
A spokesman said: “We are disappointed with today’s judgement. Our proposals for the Bush Industrial Estate are to build the greenest and quietest grocery facility in the UK with a 100% electric van fleet.
“We remain committed to the Islington community, where we delivered to one in six households in 2020, and will continue to look at how we can deliver a better service to the Borough and significantly reduce our emissions.”
The decision marks a significant victory for the “Nocado” campaign organised by parents, pupils and teachers at Yerbury Primary School.
Natasha Cox, one of the campaigners, said: “Today is a landmark victory for common sense and the rights of communities. The verdict of Mr Justice Holgate sets a rightful precedent for prioritising children’s health over irresponsible growth of online deliveries. There is a place for distribution centres but it is not a skipping rope away from primary school classrooms.”
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