PEEL HOLDINGS are to make another legal bid to overturn a ban on the expansion of Whitebirk Retail Park despite losing a High Court case last month.

The judicial review of Hyndburn council’s refusal to allow the controversial out-of-town to attract new, larger stores was rejected by a judge in Manchester.

Now Peel are to go to the Court of Appeal in London to try and reverse the decision.

A company spokeswoman said last night: “We have fully considered the High Court judgement and the reasons for dismissal. After reviewing the case with our legal team we have decided to appeal against the High Court’s judgement. We believe our case to be fully in line with all relevant case law and the decision of the High Court to be legally flawed.

“Our proposals for Whitebirk Retail Park would deliver a much needed local alternative to modern retail parks in Preston and Bolton, create at least 250 additional jobs in Hyndburn and unlock well over £16million of investment.”

Hyndburn borough leader Miles Parkinson said: “We will continue to defend our position as upheld by the High Court judge in Manchester and hope that the Court of Appeal reaches the same result.”

Blackburn MP Straw said: “This is a last ditch attempt by Peel. Hyndburn council has my full backing. I hope that the judgement in Manchester will be upheld.”