Neptune threatens legal action over Neston decision

Liverpool-based Neptune Developments is threatening legal action after Ellesmere Port and Neston Council selected a rival developer for a scheme in Neston on the Wirral. Neptune claims that Manchester developer CTP’s scheme, which features a Sainsbury’s store, did not score the highest according to the council’s published selection criteria and does not meet its brief for a “tailored, specific and unique approach”. Instead, Neptune claims that its own proposal, which includes a Booths supermarket, is more suitable. The brief published by the council set out an aspiration to “bring in a store not found locally, which would give Neston a particular edge, and the ability not only to claw back lost trade but attract new shoppers into the town because of its uniqueness”. A statement from Neptune quotes local market traders who say that Sainsbury’s provides less choice than Booths, which specialises in local produce and would have “complemented Neston’s market town appeal”. Steve Parry, managing director of Neptune, said: “We teamed up with independent food retailer Booths as we felt that this was precisely the kind of offer that the council and local people were looking for.” “We believe that the council did have a right to select on the basis of aspirations and quality and had a duty to seek advice from the secretary of state before simply choosing the highest bidder.” Parry said that he hopes that the council will reconsider the decision. The company says that it will “pursue the legal route if it is required”. The council said that it was “disappointed” that Neptune is “conducting a campaign through the press”. Neptune’s other schemes include the redevelopment of the Wirral resort of a New Brighton, where work is partly underway following a public inquiry last year. It is also developing a £120m mixed-use scheme at Mann Island on Liverpool’s Pier Head.