ENFIELD Council is preparing to launch a judicial review of the decision to downgrade Chase Farm Hospital.

Councillors were told this evening that legal proceedings have begun against health secretary Andrew Lansley's decision to strip the north Enfield hospital of its maternity and A&E departments.

Councillor Doug Taylor, leader of the council, confirmed the council had written to Mr Lansley about the issue, but said he was legally restricted from revealing the contents of the letter.

It is understood Mr Lansley has 14 days to reply, and if the council is not satisfied with the response, it will apply to the High Court for judicial review.

The move, if approved, will challenge the downgrade decision made in September, and is likely to put the changes to hospital services in Barnet, Enfield and Haringey on hold until the court process has run its course.

The council has a long-standing opposition to the plans put forward by North Central London NHS and subsequently approved by the health secretary.

The council launched a judicial review in 2009 against the original decision to downgrade the hospital, in The Ridgeway, but the challenge was thrown out by a judge and criticised for “inexcusable delays” in lodging it.

At tonight's meeting, councillors did not debate the issue on advice from council lawyers. However, opposition leader Councillor Michael Lavender confirmed the Conservatives agreed with the action taken by Cllr Taylor.