Two rival Peterborough leisure developments including cinemas are being weighed in the balance at the High Court.
Hawksworth Securities, the developer behind the £100m North Westgate scheme, which has already secured planning permission, is asking Lang J to quash an outline permission granted to IREEF Queensgate for a rival £30m development at the Queensgate Shopping Centre.
Lawyers for Hawksworth say that if this second project goes ahead, its own scheme would no longer be viable and would not be implemented.
Hereward Phillpot QC said: “There is only sufficient demand to support the development of one new cinema in Peterborough city centre.”
Hawksworth claims that the local council made no reference when granting permission to the impact that the Queensgate plan would have on its own. It brands the decision unfair, unreasonable and unlawful.
However, Peterborough City Council maintains that it promotes both schemes and that there was nothing irrational in granting permission for each, as part of the recognised need to improve and enhance the city’s “cultural and leisure” offering.
Lang J is expected to reserve her decision after two days of argument.
