Environment Minister Alex Attwood has commented on the court decision to grant leave for a judicial review into the Athletic Stores planning decision.

After an exhaustive assessment of all options from every angle, the Minister gave approval, with regret, on 20 April this year, for retail and residential development on the Athletic Stores site.

Mr Attwood said: "I note the decision to grant leave for a judicial review of the planning decision at the Athletic Stores. I arrived at this decision after the fullest consideration. I inspected the site accompanied by representatives of the UAHS to ensure that I was fully appraised of all the issues. I am confident that the decision was the right one, even though it was taken with much regret. After all I have put much effort, since becoming Environment Minister, into saving our historic buildings. Unfortunately the Athletic Stores building was too far gone for modern living and working."

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The Minister also highlighted that the court decision does not indicate that there are any flaws in the planning decision.

(CD)