New Lidl supermarket and apartments now in doubt as High Court throws out planning permission

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A new Lidl supermarket has had its planning permission quashed by a high court judge. The huge development, on a 27-acre site off Darwen Road in Bromley Cross, Bolton, which also includes 43 retirement apartments, has enjoyed permission since Bolton Council granted it in September, 2021.

The authority also granted permission for four football pitches and a 91-space commuter car park for Bromley Cross train station. READ MORE: Murder investigation launched after man dies - updates However, a case was brought by Co-operative Group Ltd against Bolton Council was heard on January 13 at the High Court of Justice Queens Bench Division planning court.

As a result of that case, which the Local Democracy Reporting Service understands was not defended by Bolton Council, a court order was issued by His Honour Judge Stephen Davies.

It states: “The claimant is granted permission to challenge the defendant’s decision dated September 1, to grant planning permission for land off Darwen Road, Bromley Cross. “Planning permission is hereby quashed and the application is remitted to the defendant’s local planning authority for redetermination.” Judge Davies also ordered Bolton Council to pay Co-Operative Group’s legal costs for the case which means the authority will hand over £12,532 to them.