Blackburn Council is set to appeal a government decision which approved developer Lend Lease’s £700m retail development in Tithebarn, Preston last year.

Despite the Secretary of State’s decision to give the development, which is anchored by John Lewis and Marks and Spencer, planning permission in November 2010, Councillor Dave Harling, executive member for regeneration at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, today said that “further investigation” was needed and the council would be appealing the decision.

“After a lengthy six week inquiry the inspector agreed with us that the Tithebarn planning application was flawed and should be rejected,” said Councillor Harling. “The minister overturned this decision, but it is not clear how he reached his decision and we believe that there are procedural improprieties that need further investigation.

“The impact of the minister’s unjustified decision will have a negative effect on Blackburn and other local towns, which the minister did not appear to think was important.”

Councillor Ken Hudson leader of Preston City Council said it was in “utter disbelief” at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s decision to appeal.

“It means more expense to the taxpayers of Blackburn and yet more delays and uncertainty for Preston,” he said. “How Blackburn can justify spending public money on another un-necessary legal challenge to Tithebarn at a time when they are making job cuts, is quite simply beyond us and no doubt most reasonable people.”

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