The High Court will today rule on whether or not the government followed proper procedures before approving the HS2 rail network.
Protest groups have brought five legal challenges against the government, claiming it did not properly consult people or consider the harm to the environment of the £32bn 250mph network.
The route, announced in January, attracted fierce opposition in Wakefield, particularly in the Altofts area where it would pass right next to people’s homes.
Local campaign group Stop HS2 Through Altofts has already hosted two meetings, claiming the rail link would damage countryside without providing significant financial benefit to their community.
And MPs Yvette Cooper and Jon Trickett have urged the government to rethink the route, which would also come within metres of historic landmarks including Walton Hall and the Newland Hall estate.
Objections heard in court include the claim that the government failed to adequately look at alternatives to the scheme.
But the government has argued that cutting rail journey times and overcrowding will bring “jobs, growth and prosperity”.
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