Hearings
England & Wales
06 Jan 2026 [2026] EWHC 9 (Admin), KBD
Rheinallt Williams & Anor, R (on the application of) v Natural Resources Wales
AI Summary & Issues
Content generated by AI, as supplied by Jurisage. Learn more about AI Case Summaries.
In the High Court case, the claimants contested Natural Resources Wales' (NRW) decision to stop maintaining the Tan Lan Embankment, claiming it was unlawful and unfairly impacted nearby landowners. The court allowed the challenge on two grounds but ultimately dismissed the claim, determining that NRW's decision was lawful, well-reasoned, and compliant with property rights under the European Convention. The court affirmed that NRW acted within its authority under the Water Resources Act 1991 and that the decision aligned with flood risk management priorities.
Issues
- Did Natural Resources Wales unlawfully limit its decision-making to the Water Resources Act 1991 without considering its obligations under the Land Drainage Act 1991, affecting the maintenance of the Embankment?
- Was the decision by Natural Resources Wales to withdraw maintenance of the Tan Lan Embankment made without adequately considering relevant factors, such as the implications for adjacent landowners and the Internal Drainage District?
- Did Natural Resources Wales' withdrawal of maintenance impose an unfair and disproportionate burden on the landowners, constituting an interference with their property rights under Article 1 of the First Protocol of the European Convention on Human Rights?