Hampton Brook’s plans to deliver a new Aldi foodstore at Gypsy Lane in Luton has been given the green light by the Court of Appeal; a decision welcomed by local residents and councillors.
2020 Developments – the company behind Luton Town Football Club – was appealing the decision of the High Court which granted permission for the new development, supported Luton Borough Council, and also its subsequent refusal for a Judicial Review.
On the 16th November, the Court of Appeal announced that 2020 Development’s application for permission to appeal against the High Court’s decision for a Judicial Review had been refused. The Order made by the Rt. Hon. Lord Justice Stuart-Smith stated that the original judge was right to refuse permission for the reasons previously given. He said that 2020 Developments’ submissions continued to be over-legalistic and unrealistically forensic rather than looking at the substance of the decisions and the basis upon which they were made.
Ian Jackson, Director of Hampton Brook, said: “Having been exasperated by 2020’s actions over the past two years and their continued attempts to block the delivery of this local Aldi for the people of Gypsy Lane, we are delighted by this ruling.”
He added: “It is pleasing that the Court of Appeal was satisfied that the decision to grant planning permission for the new Aldi foodstore at Gypsy Lane was correctly made in the first instance by Luton Borough Council and accordingly the decision upheld.”
Hampton Brook can now move forward with its plans for the construction of the new Aldi store. This is expected to lead to over 45 new permanent jobs, with additional local jobs being created during the construction process. This sale of the disused site will also deliver funds to safeguard the future of leisure operator Venue 360 by reinvesting funds to improve its facilities and the retention of around 80 jobs.
Previously in support of the Aldi foodstore being built at Gypsy Lane, local resident Frank Fox said: “We want this Aldi so much. It will also create desperately needed new jobs.”
Councillor Javeria Hussain of Luton South Ward, added: “The local economy has been hit hard by Covid-19 and with rising unemployment, many South Ward residents are finding it difficult to put food on their table.”
“This store creates over 45 jobs for local people and safeguards the facilities and jobs at V360, just when we are in very difficult economic times and many local people are losing jobs.”
The applicant, Hampton Brook, a regional commercial developer, has already invested heavily in Luton, at Luton Airport, where their ambitious plans are currently providing major economic growth and job creation through the multi-million pound refurbishment of the former Monarch Airlines HQ. This is delivering much-needed new high-quality Grade-A office space to attract new businesses to Luton, with further, future investment planned at this site.
