But the judge still has to decide the full ramifications of his ruling, according to Liverpool Land Development Company (LLDC), which is the main organisation behind the plans. He is expected to make a further ruling in November which will decide if the whole scheme was wrong or if it was simply an error in the wording of the report by the planning inspector and Secretary of State following the public inquiry. The former would have serious implications for the future of the whole project. If he decides it was down to the way the inspector's report was written, then it could mean the public inquiry being re-started and both sides would once again have to fight their case. Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, would then decide its fate. Last night Ian Hassall, development director for Liverpool Land, said: "This has created delay and uncertainty. If we find ourselves having to go back to the start of the project, we will have to reconsider the strategy. "In the worst case scenario, there will be further delays in addressing the problems in that area. "Where we can, we will create and deliver development in the absence of resolving this issue. In the best case scenario we could be back on track by spring next year. "Ms Pascoe hails this as a victory but the reality is very different. "We are continuing to buy properties and remain resolute in our intentions for the scheme. It is important to state that English Partnerships was entirely appropriate in its actions on Edge Lane. "It was when the inspector wrote his report and used the wrong words in some places that the test became skewed." Former Liverpool Lord Mayor, Cllr Frank Doran, who represents the Kensington ward, said: "Some Civil Servant has clearly made a big mistake when writing their report.We need to look in detail at the implications of this judgment and the way forward now. "We could have 20 lawyers look at this and they would come up with 20 different opinions on the judgment. My concern now is for the residents still there. We now have a state of limbo." Cllr Marilyn Fielding, executive member for neighbourhoods and housing, said: "All of the partners are agreed about the approach to bring much-needed regeneration into this area, and the idea that the City Council is pulling the strings for English Partnership is absolutely ludicrous. "People need to step back and see exactly what this judgment says before rushing in and making accusations of this nature. "My understanding is that we are still waiting to clarify what the judge has ruled and what the impact of that will be. "The important thing is that this is an area badly in need of regeneration." samlister@dailypost.co.uk
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