BUSINESSES who are ‘holding the Station Hill development to ransom’ could be forced to wave their right to light after failing to negotiate compensation settlements.

Reading Borough Council is warning it may wade into the debate, forcing parties to come to an agreement if it thinks the £825 million scheme could be delayed.

Tony Page, deputy leader of the borough council, said developers Sackville are asking the borough council to step in.

“What we can’t have is the Station Hill development being held to unreasonable ransom,” he said.

“We want to see all the relevant parties sitting round the table concluding fair deals.

“In most cases agreements have been struck.

“We are down to four who are having issues resolving their issues with Sackville.

“They have asked us to invoke rarely invoked planning powers. We will be taking an interest in the site and expunging the right to light for those involved.

“This is a long stop and we are being asked to agree to invoke those powers to enable Station Hill to get underway.”

If the council does not remove the right to light powers the development could be caught in lengthy legal battles.

McKay Securities PLC, who own 20-30 Greyfriars Road, have already initiated proceedings in the High Court against Sackville although a date for the hearing has not been set.

The borough council has brought in a top lawyer to advise them on the process.

They approved outline planning permission for the development in January, 2015 including demolition and alteration of existing buildings with new units for housing, offices and retail created.

A final decision by Reading Borough Council will be made by Reading’s policy committee when it meets on Monday, September 26.