Preston Bus Station, a major casualty in the proposed plans

A decision on Preston’s £700 million Tithebarn development will not be made until March 2011 at the earliest, according to councillors at the most recent Central Area Forum.

Onlooking residents were told that the inquiry, which is costing the council nearly £1 million, will end in June and will be referred to ministers in September later this year.Councillors were on hand to answer any worries from residents, including one local who raised worries about where people would go to catch buses if the bus station was hauled down.

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John Collins, who is councillor for Moor Park, told those present that he believed Preston had a good chance in progressing with the Tithebarn plans.

“Those objecting are Blackpool and Blackburn, but we are in a strong position. We have a strong legal team on our side.”

Collins told how the opposing groups’ lawyer, Christopher Katkowski, known as ‘KitKat’ seemed to have little support at the inquiry.

“KitKat was on his own, he didn’t even have anyone to carry his boxes and files for him!”

Katkowski is regarded as one of the best lawyers available, and was the only planning barrister to be included in The Power List’ published by Property Week of the property industry’s 50 most influential professional and legal figures. The list says of him: “Known as “KitKat,” [he] is the heavyweight QC you need on your side at planning inquiries.”

The Central Area Forum covers the St George’s, University, Town Centre, Moor Park, Riversway and Tulketh wards.

The Tithebarn inquiry commenced on Tuesday 18 May and is being held at the University of Central Lancashire.