A settlement has been reached in a legal clash between a nightclub owner, the council and the developers who want to transform Maidenhead town centre.
The legal dispute arose over the redevelopment of the Nicholson shopping centre, which involves replacing the centre’s 650 homes, 60 retail and hospitality units, office space and a new multi-storey car park.
The plan involves extensive demolition, and while many affected business owners have sold their properties, Lee Page, the co-owner of Smokeys nightclub held out.
The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead approved the plan to transform the centre back in March 2021.
But Mr Page held up the demolition by challenging a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) submitted by the council, which led to the legal dispute.
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Alongside lawyers, Mr Page challenged the council’s approval of the Nicholsons redevelopment.
Meanwhile, the council initiated a challenge against the secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities after the government’s planning inspectorate refused its CPO for Smokeys last October.
But now it has emerged that Smokeys, the council and the developer have settled outside of court.
Details of the settlement are confidential.
Mr Page was represented by lawyers from Francis Taylor Building and Blandy & Blandy Solicitors, based in Reading.
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Announcing the news of the settlement, Annabel Graham Paul, a barrister at Francis Taylor Building, said: “Two judicial reviews were due to be heard in the High Court in relation to the redevelopment of Nicholsons Shopping Centre in Maidenhead.
“Planning permission was granted by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead for the redevelopment which was challenged by Lee Page, co-owner of Smokeys nightclub.
“Separately, the Secretary of State had refused to confirm the related CPO and this was subject to challenge by the Council. Both claims have been settled.
“I was delighted to act for Smokeys with Karen Jones and David Murray of Blandy & Blandy Solicitors in securing this outcome.”
For its part, a spokesperson for the council said: “We have reached an agreement without the need for an extended High Court process, with the judge, The Hon. Mr Justice Dove, praising both parties for working constructively to reach a resolution.
“Significantly, the terms of the agreement are legally confidential and this applies to both parties.
“The council will shortly be liaising with the developers around the next steps.”
The developer of the shopping centre is Denhead SARL, which is a joint venture between regeneration specialist Areli and investment group Tikehau Capital.
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