LEGAL challenges brought against the Forest of Dean District Council's plans to develop the Northern United area near Cinderford have been quashed by a High Court judge.

Two challenges that were brought against the district council, were thrown out by Mr Justice Collins in the High Court of Justice, Queen's Bench Division.

It has been reported that the challenges were brought by a Mr Baggus, and sought to overturn the council's decisions to grant planning permissions, which include those for new highway junctions at Northern United and Forest Vale Road, Cinderford.

But in making his judgement, Mr Justice Collins blocked the challenges, paving the way for the development of the area.

Council leader, Cllr Patrick Molyneux said: "This is another positive decision for both the council and the residents of the Forest of Dean.

"These schemes are the first steps to implementing our wider vision for Cinderford. The decision removes uncertainty and means that we can now continue to progress the education-led regeneration of the Northern Quarter in Cinderford.

•Contractors for the Government's Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) are due to start work next week on the detailed investigation works that are earmarked for the Northern United Spine Road project, a new college and business developments. The total estimate for the cost of the new projects is said to be around £10.5 million pounds.

The ground investigation works will provide detailed technical information which is required to evaluate the route of the proposed spine road, the new junctions planned at the Northern United and Forest Vale areas, the site of the proposed college, close to Steam Mills lake, and the sites of proposed bat roosts.

The HCA said: "Following the demolition and clearance of most of the buildings on the former Northern United colliery site earlier this year, this is another visible stage of plans to create 1,200 jobs and unlock £100 million in investment for the district by supporting an ambitious, education-led regeneration project."

The work is expected to be completed by the end of October, and the HCA have promised that there will be: 'local consultation activity on the plans taking place next year.'