WDA wins land deal case

A rival project nearby became a Tesco store

The High Court in Cardiff has thrown out a property company's claims that the Welsh Development Agency exceeded its powers in backing a land deal.

Property company Landare Investments had claimed that the WDA frustrated its plans to develop a supermarket on land outside Aberdare in the Cynon Valley.

It alleged the agency wrongly supported a rival project nearby which eventually became a Tesco superstore.

The judge said the case against the agency and Rhondda Cynon Taff council, which succeeded Cynon Valley Council, had not been proven.

The climax to the case came in a written judgement covering more than 270 pages.

The row dates back to the 1990's when Landare Invetsments announced it wanted to develop Tirfounder Fields as a supermarket.

the company said it would now consider its position and may appeal against the ruling.

According to the WDA, the company will have to pay costs of more than £3m.

'Actions applauded'

WDA legal director Roy Thomas said he was delighted at the outcome.

"We knew the officers of the WDA had acted honestly and in good faith and had acted for the benefit of the community of Aberdare," he said.

"There were people who doubted that.

"But they were good, honest people and we're delighted because each and every one of them has been vindicated.

"Their actions have been applauded by the judge instead of being criticised," he added.