CHRISTCHURCH council has applied to a High Court judge for permission to appeal the decision to throw out its legal challenge over local government reorganisation.

On Tuesday, the council’s case against the secretary of state’s decision to go ahead with the process was rejected.

An application for permission to appeal the judgement has now been submitted after saying that it was “disappointed” with decision.

The council has opposed local government reorganisation in Dorset with a referendum of the borough’s residents finding that 84 per cent were against joining with Bournemouth and Poole.

In May it lodged a judicial review challenging the process, claiming that the secretary of state had acted beyond his powers by allowing it to progress.

Last week the council put its case to the High Court however the judge ruled that he had acted within the law.

Following the decision, the council has now applied to the judge asking for leave to appeal.

If permission is granted, then the council will be able to challenge the judgement at the Court of Appeal.

Should the request be refused, the council will have to go directly to the court by August 21 to request an appeal be allowed.

Tens of thousands of pounds have been spent by the council on the judicial review.