High Court and Secretary of State Endorse Settlement in Maidenhead CPO Case

21 July, 2023

Following an inquiry in October 2022, the inspector appointed by the Secretary of State refused to confirm the Nicholsons Shopping Centre, High Street, Queen Street and King Street, Maidenhead Compulsory Purchase Order (‘CPO’).  

High Court and Secretary of State Endorse Settlement in Maidenhead CPO Case

21 July, 2023

Following an inquiry in October 2022, the inspector appointed by the Secretary of State refused to confirm the Nicholsons Shopping Centre, High Street, Queen Street and King Street, Maidenhead Compulsory Purchase Order (‘CPO’).  

The CPO was promoted by the Royal Borough of Maidenhead and Windsor in order to allow the comprehensive redevelopment of an important town centre site in Maidenhead.

Notwithstanding the Inspector’s decision, he found that the scheme was in the local and national interest.  The basis for refusing to confirm the CPO was the impact on a single objector, Smokey’s nightclub.  The scheme promoters have since reached a settlement agreement with Smokey’s nightclub on confidential terms and, following that settlement, the Secretary of State has consented to the quashing of the Inspector’s decision.  
 
James Pereira KC and Daisy Noble acted for the Council in the CPO inquiry and subsequent High Court challenge, instructed by Dentons; Annabel Graham Paul acted for Smokey’s Nightclub both at the inquiry and in the High Court, instructed by Blandy & Blandy.