DARWEN'S threatened £33million academy is back on after the businessman behind the super school said he remained committed to the project.
Last month a compulsory purchase order (CPO) for Blackburn with Darwen Council to buy up and demolish homes in the Redearth Triangle - the earmarked academy site - was overturned by a Government inspector after a public inquiry.
At the time Rod Aldridge, the millionaire behind the project, told the council it had until December to deliver the land so the school could be built and open in September 2008.
But last night he insisted: "I am not going anywhere. I am going to deliver this academy because it's the best thing that can happen for young people in Darwen."
His comments came as the council announced it will seek a second CPO to get the remaining homes it owns in the Triangle.
The council owns all but 11 of the 154 homes in the triangle. The new CPO will argue that the site already has outline planning permission for the academy, and it is necessary for the economic, social, and environmental well-being of the borough, so the council should be allowed to demolish the houses.
The previous CPO had been ordered on grounds that homes were unfit to live in. The council has lodged papers with the High Court in London to oppose an interim injunction, brought by residents, which bans further demolition in the triangle.
The authority was to appeal the decision, but its legal advisors said the speediest way to resolve the issue is through a new CPO.
At tonight's executive board councillors will approve starting procedures for the new CPO, which may take four to 12 months.
Coun Kate Hollern, leader of the council, said: "I can reassure families in the town that I wish to see this through."
She has written to remaining home owners in the Triangle and is to hold meetings with them to explain the council's position.
Coun Michael Lee, deputy leader of the Tory opposition, said: "It is no longer feasible for the houses to stay."
But Simon Huggill, 56, of Sough Road, who represented residents at the public inquiry, accused the council of trying to have a second bite of the cherry.
He said: "I don't think the council have a strong case."
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