M-SPORT’S plans for a £19m car design and test centre are back on track after a High Court judge threw out a legal challenge.

The project at Dovenby Hall, near Cockermouth, should secure 200 jobs and create 100 more as the rally company expands into road car technology. Although Allerdale Council approved the scheme in December, and approved in principle amended plans last month, it could still have been quashed by the courts.

A local resident, Peter Nicholson, had been granted leave to apply for a judicial review of the council’s handling of the case. But sitting in the High Court, Hon Justice David Holgate handed down a judgement that planning consent stands.

Mr Nicholson has 21 days to lodge an appeal but is thought unlikely to do so, given that he told Allerdale Council last month that he wants the revised development to proceed.

Malcolm Wilson, managing director at M-Sport, said: “After a delay of more than eight months, it’s heartening that we can now move ahead with the development.

“The decision marks a new chapter in the history of M-Sport and I’m excited that we can continue to invest in the local workforce and boost local economy and employment prospects.”

The scheme has the backing of the Government’s Regional Growth Fund and local business leaders. The latest changes impose restrictions on noise and the use of the facility – which had been residents’ main concern – banning any form of racing or competition.

There were more than 270 objections to M-Sport’s original planning application, as against 40 representations of support. The company says that work will begin imminently.

Carlisle-based Northern Developments will be responsible for the design and development of the project. The first phase comprises a 105,000sq ft research and development facility and a 2.5km test track.

Associated works include improvements on the A594 and extensive landscaping. The test facility will involve 87,000 cubic metres of excavation, four kilometres of drainage, the planting of 1,800 trees and 66,000sq m of wildflower planting.

Northern’s managing director, Martyn Boak, said: “We have worked on these plans for five years and Allerdale Council has acted diligently throughout the planning process.

“They have taken us to task at every step in relation to planning and noise. “The judicial review process has strengthened protection of the amenity whilst allowing the development to proceed. “That is a win-win situation for everyone, as difficult as it may be I hope the objectors can now accept that.

“It seems that Mr Nicholson has accepted this and we welcome that, perhaps relationships can be rebuilt from this point.”