CLAIMS that Halton’s job market will suffer as a result of planning permission for Priory Group’s secure mental unit being blocked have been rejected by council chiefs. The council recently threw out a ‘Certificate of Lawfulness or Proposed Use of Development’ (Clopud) put forward by Priory Group in its bid to secure specialist planning permission for the Bennett’s Lane site. Steve Conway, Priory Group executive director, believes the scheme’s latest setback will damage employment in the borough. He said: ‘We are disappointed with this latest decision and will be examining the strength of the council’s legal reasoning behind it.ŠThis is a blow for local jobs.Š ‘People who have been waiting for months to take up positions will have to wait even longer and face more uncertainty.’ But Cllr Rob Polhill, deputy leader of Halton Borough CouncilŠand the executive board member for planning, hit back at the claims. He said: ‘There were some local jobs involved but many of them would have been specialist roles recruited from outside the area. ‘Jobs are important but not when they come about through mischievous means.’ The council and the company have been locked in battle about the proposals since details first emerged that a secure mental unit was being planned. C2 permission, for a residential home had originally been granted to developers Montpellier and then sold to The Priory and permission was granted. But when details emerged of the development’s true nature the C2 permission was deemed insufficient, forcing Priory to apply for the ‘Clopud’. Priory chiefs have vowed to fight on despite the setback, but Cllr Polhill is optimistic. He said: ‘One thing in our favour is that The Healthcare Commission won’t grant them a licence unless the council gives permission. ‘It’s sad that it’s come to this because they are a world renowned company and they shouldn’t be trying to force things through the back door.’ mark.smith | 
