Barbican court decision soon (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

Barbican court decision soon

January 26, 2005 11:37 AM

Cllr Keith Orrell, Executive Member for Leisure & Heritage, reported to the Council last night on the position relating to the development of the Barbican complex.

Responding to the Question : "When does the Executive Member expect the situation, on the judicial review of decisions connected with Barbican development, to be resolved.?" Cllr Orrell replied :

"The applicant's claim to challenge the Barbican planning permissions and the council's grounds for resisting the claim are currently being considered by the High Court. A decision on whether the court will accept or reject the claim is expected around 7th February. If the court rejects the claim the applicant has 7 days to renew the application at an oral hearing in front of a judge.

"If the application is granted (either on the application or on renewal before a judge) the length of time from this date to a substantive hearing in front of a judge is currently 35 days. The hearing has to take place and the judge to issue his decision.

"It should be noted that the claim by the applicant was issued on 21 December 2004 at the very end of the permitted time limit for this application, thus maximising the potential delay for the development and maximising the delay to the modernisation of the City's leisure facilities."

Speaking today, Cllr Orrell commented:

"Everyone is keen to get on the with the Barbican project - Barbican Venture, Absolute Leisure and the Council's Leisure services. It is frustrating that such an exciting project that will bring modern leisure facilities for residents is being delayed. The sooner we can get on with the development the sooner the pool and other facilities will be ready and the sooner the Barbican will be refurbished."