Developer hits back in legal row over former airport

Property firm Sutton Harbour has denied claims for Plymouth Council that it is in breach of contract over the city’s derelict airport.

Sutton Harbour issued a statement to the Stock Exchange over the long-running dispute.

The company said it has taken appropriate legal advice and as a result is rebutting claims from the council it has breached lease arrangements in connection with the airport.

It has demanded  that the wrongfully served s146 notices are  withdrawn.

Last week the  company announced that it has made a pre-submission planning application to the local planning authority in connection with the development of the former airport site.

Plymouth City Airport Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sutton Harbour, holds a long lease on the site.

There has been a long-running dispute centred on the site and Plymouth Council has threatened the company with legal action.

Last month Plymouth City Council said it was giving airport leaseholder Sutton Harbour Group Plc “one last chance” before starting legal action which could see it reclaim the land.

The council had said Plymouth City Airport Ltd (PCAL) was in breach of lease covenants. It said SHG had failed to reassure the council it would comply with its lease for the former Plymouth City Airport site and has now served SHG with a formal legal notice.