The high court has ruled against Halton council’s decision to grant planning consent to Prologis for a mega-shed for Amazon in Widnes, Cheshire.
Halebank parish council launched a judicial review earlier this year against Halton council’s decision last August to grant permission for a 1.2m sq ft distribution facility at the Mersey Multimodal Gateway scheme.
Halebank parish council said it was not properly consulted on the plans for the £46m rail-connected shed.
In response to the ruling, Halton council said that it would continue to work towards the redevelopment of the site, with future development not ruled out.
The JR prompted Amazon to look for alternative locations throughout the North West and Yorkshire.
Rob Polhill, leader of Halton borough council, said: “The council is disappointed that the court has found against the council in this matter and notes the comments made by the court, in particular that it did not challenge the basic principle that future development of the site for employment remains appropriate.
“Local government is often criticised for delaying economic development and the creation of new jobs, therefore it is ironic that on this occasion Halton finds itself criticised for moving too quickly. Throughout this matter the council has acted in good faith and with one motivation, to bring new jobs to Halton and create employment for Halton residents.
“Irrespective of the legal arguments, the reality of this decision is that the intervention of the Halebank Parish Council and the subsequent decision of the court have resulted in the immediate loss of 1,000 new jobs in Halton.”
daniel.cunningham@estatesgazette.com
