Council loses High Court bid to stop £700m redevelopment in neighbouring authority

A council in the North West has failed in its attempt to block a £700m redevelopment scheme in a neighbouring authority.

Blackburn with Darwen Council had launched legal action in the High Court against the Tithebarn development being promoted by Preston City Council. The scheme, Preston hopes, will provide a bus station, a cinema, cafes and bars, homes and offices, and revitalise the city’s markets.

A planning inspector had ruled that the scheme was flawed and should not proceed. However, the Communities Secretary overruled the inspector in November 2010, saying the project should go ahead.

Mr Justice Langstaff in the Administrative Court this week upheld Eric Pickles’ decision.

Cllr Dave Harling of Blackburn with Darwen told the BBC that the authority was "deeply disappointed" but would accept the judge's decision.

He said: "We have said all along that we support business and development and have no desire to prevent regeneration in Preston.

"We took the action because we have a duty to protect our local businesses and jobs. We are concerned about the negative impact on our town as a result of the sheer size and scale of the proposed development."

Cllr Peter Rankin, Preston’s Leader, said: “We are delighted that the court has upheld the decision of the Secretary of State to allow the Tithebarn development to go ahead.

“Our focus now is working with developers Lend Lease and Lancashire County Council to take Tithebarn forward, in what is a difficult economic climate. There is still a lot of work ahead, including raising the necessary finance and assembling the land.

“But now we have the planning permission, we can move forward with renewed energy and positivity to meet the challenges ahead to deliver the Tithebarn development and the investment and new jobs it will bring.”