ARE.L Regulatory News (ARE)

7 Jul 2005 15:00

Arena Leisure PLC07 July 2005 7 July 2005 Arena Leisure Plc Outcome of Planning Inquiry for Wolverhampton Racecourse Arena Leisure Plc ("Arena" or "the Company") has been notified by The Office ofthe Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM), that its regeneration proposals for thedevelopment of an integrated sports, leisure and gaming complex at its DunstallPark, Wolverhampton, racecourse have been refused planning permission. The decision was made following a planning inquiry in 2004 after the originalplanning application had received the support of Wolverhampton City Council. The Secretary of State and Inspector agreed with the arguments put forwardregarding the "holistic and integrated approach" for the development and "thesignificant economic and employment benefits for the region and the local areaarising from this proposal". However, the Secretary of State and Inspectorconsidered that the proposals conflict with the "openness of the (Green Belt)area". Wolverhampton City Council's draft Unitary Development Plan (currently out forconsultation), which has been progressing independently of our planningapplication, proposes the removal of the racecourse from the Green Belt. Thereport from the Government inspector on the changes to the Green Belt status ofDunstall Park and other locations is anticipated to be received by WolverhamptonCouncil on 19 August 2005. Arena will continue to work with local stakeholdersand expects to re-submit its scheme for approval once the outcome of thatprocess is known. Arena is looking closely at the decision with its advisers, and will continue toprogress the proposals. Ian Penrose, Chief Executive of Arena, said: "This decision from the Secretary of State has come as a surprise to theCompany. The proposals have the support of the Council, the Chamber of Commerceand Black Country Tourism, all representing local stakeholders, because of thehundreds of jobs that would be created and the boost to the local economy thatthis will bring. It is extremely disappointing that the Secretary of State hasstepped in and over-ruled local stakeholders and their elected representatives" "Yesterday was a great day for British sport with the news that the 2012 OlympicGames will be coming to London, bringing a long-lasting regeneration legacy toLondon's East End. It is disappointing that this decision does not support theregeneration benefits of a racecourse in the Black Country". "We will not give up and we are reviewing our plans, together with ourprofessional advisers, to address the Green Belt and "openness" issue. We willcontinue to work closely with the Council, local businesses and people so thatwe can all achieve the regeneration benefits of our proposals and improve sportsand leisure facilities in Wolverhampton." - ends - For further information, please contact: Arena Leisure PlcIan Penrose, Chief Executive 020 7495 2277 Bell Pottinger Corporate & Financial 020 7861 3232David Rydell 07798646021Paddy Blewer 07765250857 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange