Published: Tuesday, 27th May, 2008 10:25am

'This is the beginning of a new Dumbarton'

by Mike Farrell

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A LANDMARK legal ruling overturning planning permission to expand an out-of-town retail unit has been hailed a victory by High Street campaigners.

Artizan Centre owners Jermon had taken West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) to the Court of Session in February this year over its approval of plans to build seven extra units at the St James" Retail Park.

Along with traders in the flagging High Street, Jermon claimed the expansion of non-food units and a leisure outlet would be a fatal blow to the town centre"s dwindling trade and work against the efforts to regenerate the struggling business community.

But after months of legal wranglings, Lord Clarke ruled on Wednesday that WDC"s approval of the plans were found to be 'invalid', putting the proposals for St James" Retail Park on hold.

Campaigners say this could be a new era for the Burgh, claiming 'this is the beginning of the new Dumbarton'.

John Corcoran, chief executive of Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, said he was delighted at the result - a step in the right direction for Dumbarton town centre.

He told the Reporter: 'This could be the biggest thing to hit Dumbarton for over two decades."

Peter Dolan, managing director of Jermon, added: "We are now hopeful that this process can be put behind everybody and the good relationship we have built with the council and other stakeholders in Dumbarton can continue and grow.'

A WDC spokesman said: 'At this stage the council are disappointed at the outcome and are considering the judgement in detail.'