M&G Real Estate has confirmed it has withdrawn an application for a judicial review of the planning consent for the Bellerby Theatre site by York Road, following its purchase of the Friary Centre.
The expected news comes within hours of a Guildford Borough Council announcement that it will partner M&G to redevelop the north side of North Street in an area where M&G owns 60% of the premises.
The judicial review application was originally submitted by the previous owner of the shopping centre, Hermes Real Estate, but M&G could have pursued it as the new owner of the centre.
Waitrose was granted planning permission by Guildford Borough Council in November for a 21,000 sq ft supermarket with car park, a new community centre and 48 new homes.
The Guildford Vision Group has also made an application for a judicial review of the planning decision which remains in place.
A spokesman for M&G Real Estate said: “M&G Real Estate has today announced its intention to immediately withdraw the judicial review instigated by its predecessor with regard to the proposed Waitrose at the Bellerby Theatre site near York Road.”
See also: Council To Partner With New Friary Centre Owners and Re-evaluate North Street Bids
David Smith
July 12, 2013 at 9:05 am
Perhaps the Guildford Dragon could interview the Vision Group and ask whether they intend to pursue their application.
We have invited the Guildford Vision Group to comment, and separately asked that specific question. There has been no response, so far. Ed