The High Court has ruled that PD Ports do have historic rights to their land on the south side of the River Tees across three access routes.

A six week trial, conducted by Mr Justice Rajah, heard a variety of evidence from both sides over the right of PD Ports to access their land.

The legal case was started by the South Tees Development Corporation to resolve a dispute over whether the port authority did in fact hold access rights to the former British Steel works, which is expected to create 20,000 jobs when the 4,500-acre site is regenerated.

The verdict has now been published in a 96-page report. Mr Justice Rajah concluded that PD Ports do have three routes of access to the land, including South Gare.

The High Court judge found in favour of PD Ports on six out of 18 of the claims under dispute. He will make a ruling about costs later.

Jerry Hopkinson, Executive Chairman at PD Ports, said: "The outcome of today’s ruling, which has seen PD Ports secure ongoing rights of access to South Gare and Redcar Bulk Terminal, and a right of access from Tees Dock across South Bank is a vindication of our defence of our long-held rights and the weight of evidence in our favour.

"Whilst we are naturally pleased at the outcome, we are very disappointed that this legal action was ever considered necessary by the South Tees Development Corporation and Teesworks.

"Despite PD Ports’ desire to resolve the matter outside the courtroom, South Tees Development Corporation and Teesworks persisted with legal action that has resulted in no net gain for either side, at a cost of several million pounds for all parties, including the taxpayer, as well as considerable damage to our region’s reputation."

He added that PD Ports will now look ahead without "unnecessary distraction" at ways to help grow the Tees Valley. 

An STDC spokesperson said: "We welcome the outcome of the hearing and thank the Honourable Mr Justice Rajah KC for his considered judgment and role presiding over the legal proceedings."

The spokesperson said the court action was necessary to resolve the ongoing access issue and free up future developments.

The statement added: "Despite extensive efforts by STDC to avoid legal action, the lack of documentary evidence... left no option other than to seek a legal determination. A total of 18 different claimed rights of way were brought to the court by PD Ports. All but six were either dropped by PD Ports or went in favour of STDC.

"The judgment now provides clarity on the rights of all respective parties going forward. We will now consider this judgment along with our legal advisers."

Teesworks Ltd responded to the judgement with a statement, adding: "We welcome the judgement and are pleased that after a lengthy process, a ruling has now been made by the High Court which confirms that no rights exist preventing the development of the Teesworks site.

"South Tees Development Corporation and Teesworks Limited advanced legal proceedings as PD Ports were claiming that rights existed across vast areas of land on the Teesworks estate, yet no documentation was ever provided.

"These claims were impacting redevelopment proposals and created uncertainty for companies looking to invest hundreds of millions of pounds on development projects.

"During proceedings PD Ports withdrew a large number of their claims, many of which were on roadways which either no longer existed or are currently being demolished as part of the site redevelopment works.

"Teesworks Limited can now move forward and continue to develop the site at pace, remediating large parcels of land ready for construction, which is seeing hundreds of millions being invested and generating thousands of jobs for the people of Teesside.

"We are now giving careful consideration to all matters contained within the judgement and any further action which may result."

Alex Cunningham, Labour MP for Stockton North, responded to the news by highlighting the use of taxpayer money to fund the legal battle.

He said: "Tees Tory Mayor Houchen has landed the public with a massive legal bill after losing a meaningless action against the Port Authority he was always destined to lose.

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"Last week’s report into the way the Mayor does business highlighted major failures around proper decision making, scrutiny, transparency and value for public money – that was bad enough but now we have this latest debacle.

"It is time he stopped using public money as if it’s his own to play with and distribute as he sees fit.  Perhaps it is time for independent auditors to look at this and other decision making many could consider reckless.

"Mr Houchen owes the public an explanation for his actions and failures – but above all, for squandering public money."