THE multi-million pound redevelopment of the former Samsung site at Wynyard is back on track after business tycoon Sir John Hall dropped his legal challenge.

It was feared that hundreds of jobs and millions of pounds of investment would be put on hold after Cameron Hall Developments requested a judicial review of Stockton Borough Council's decision to relax planning restrictions on the Wynyard One site.

The council's decision allowed the 207-acre site to be developed as a business park, whereas previously only electronics companies could operate there.

Yesterday, the council confirmed Cameron Hall Developments had discontinued its claim for a review of the authority's decision.

Council leader Bob Gibson said: "We think Sir John has acted in the right manner and I would like to thank him personally for that."

Councillor Gibson added: "Hopefully, this will now bring about the huge development we know can take place at this important site for the Tees Valley."

No one was available for comment from Cameron Hall Developments, which is creating a business park on neighbouring land at Wynyard.

Wynyard Limited is behind the £70m Wynyard One development, which could create more than 1,400 jobs.

Its managing director, Chris Musgrave, had earlier criticised Sir John for trying to prevent the project going ahead, and accused him of calling for the review at the last possible moment.

He said at the time of Sir John's call for a review: "I cannot understand why a man regarded by some as a flagbearer for the North-East should be going to great lengths to try to prevent more than £70m of private investment and 1,400 jobs being brought to the region."

The company was unavailable for comment yesterday.

Samsung closed its plant at Wynyard in April last year.

Wynyard Limited's plans for the site include the construction of two large logistics centres, offices and factory units.