The Peak District National Park Authority's Planning Committee has rejected their Planning Officers' recommendations for approval of Pilsley-based Litton Properties' £25m regeneration of the Riverside Business Park, Bakewell - the second time in 15 months.

The Peak Park's decision leaves future of the scheme in potential jeopardy.

Commenting on this rejection Litton's MD, Mark Twelves, said: "We are bitterly disappointed and feel completely let down by the Peak Park's Planning Committee Members.

"Since we took ownership of the site in 2001 we have worked tirelessly with the Peak Park's Planning Officers to produce a viable scheme that would secure the future of the site. I am sure that there will also be many in the Peak Park that will be disappointed that the majority of the members have rejected a scheme that would have provide much-needed jobs, especially in this current economic climate.

"We were actively encouraged by the Planning Committee members to re-submit and were given strong indications of what was needed to achieve their support. Despite meeting all these concerns we were refused again. The time, cost and effort in doing this has been immense. We are now no further forward than we were 10 years ago.

"Unfortunately, the clear message that the Planning Committee members are sending out is that the Peak Park is closed for business, and that is a tragedy. I am sure that there will be many in the Peak Park who will feel that the Members failed to stand up and be counted." 

Since refusing consent in February 2010 the Peak Park's decision has led to significant additional costs that have been absorbed by the company for additional environmental surveys and surveyors reports. 

The original planning application will be going before an appeal hearing In London in July 2011.