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The Clock Towers centre and Elliotts Field are both planning to expand.
A MYSTERY dissenter could delay or even jeopardise the long-anticipated redevelopment of Elliott's Field Retail Park.
The borough council has revealed a commercial objector is trying to force a judicial review of the project, having failed in a bid to get the planning application reviewed by the Government.
The revelation was made by council leader Craig Humphrey.
He told a meeting at the town hall last week: “Unfortunately, a commercial objector to the scheme who failed in a bid to persuade the Secretary of State to call-in the application is now attempting to have it judicially reviewed.
“My fear is could cause serious delay, my hope is we will be able to overcome it.”
A spokesman for the council told us: “Unfortunately, we are unable to give any further information until the legal situation becomes clear.”
The £35m redevelopment was approved by the council in May just two weeks after
the Clock Towers shopping centre unveiled its plans for a £20m extension.
Centre manager Tony Spencer confirmed representatives had met with the council to raise concerns about the Elliott's Field plan on the grounds it was not in the spirit of the council's core strategy.
But when asked if his company was the mystery objector he said: “There is no comment at present. We continue to explore our options and will be back in touch once we are in a position to do so.”
The proposed Elliott's Field development is set to bring 15 new stores, including a flagship Debenhams store. The plans were overwhelmingly supported with only one of the 12 planning committee members abstaining from the vote.
The Clock Towers centre has yet to apply for planning permission for its proposed £20m extension.
When plans for the extension were announced, MP Mark Pawsey expressed hope that both developments would go ahead, bolstered by population growth in Rugby as a result of new housing.
Work on Elliott's Field is hoped to begin later this year, barring any delays caused by a judicial review. The new stores are scheduled to begin trading in 2015.
A spokesperson for Elliott's Field owners Hammerson said: "At the moment it's just speculation. We're monitoring the situation and don't want to say anything more at this stage."
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