Judge to rule on future of Nirah

Nirah has been in the High Court this week arguing that two Hanson companies are trying to 'time out' a deal to sell the land necessary for the iconic 'freshwater Eden' project.

Hanson agreed to sell to Nirah the Quest Pit at Stewartby In December 2005, provided Nirah could get planning permission and that the project would not interfere with Hanson's business or other plans for the area.

The planning permission was gained in 2007 but Hanson argues that Nirah has failed to assure it that the project will not interfere with any other operations.

The option runs out at the end of this year. If that happens, Hanson and its subsidiary, British Agricultural Services Ltd, will retain the land.

HeidelbergCement, Hanson's German owner, is selling off many of Hanson's assets, although it is not known if Quest is among them.

Hanson argued that Nirah has failed to clearly identify access to the site so Hanson cannot assess whether its future activities on adjacent land would be affected.

Nirah was in the the High Court to argue that Hanson should complete the deal.

The Nirah scheme is supported by £3.8million of loans of public money, £2million from the East of England Development Agency and £1.8million from Bedfordshire County Council. The county loans will have been inherited by Central Bedfordshire and Bedford Borough.

The court heard arguments for both sides on Thursday and Friday and a judgement is expected later this week.

Richard Stay, deputy leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, said: "Bedfordshire councils are still foursquare behind the Nirah project. It is unfortunate that this argument has ended up in court."

A spokesman for Hanson said the company would not be making any comment until the judge had made his decision.