THE regeneration of a business site could be delayed after a legal challenge by tycoon Sir John Hall.

Hundreds of jobs and investment may be put on hold after Cameron Hall Developments requested the judicial review of a decision by Stockton Borough Council to allow a business park to be built on the former Samsung site, at Wynyard. Previously, only electronics companies could operate from there.

But businessman Chris Musgrave, boss of Wynyard Limited, accused Sir John of calling for the review at the last possible moment.

He said: "He has taken three months - until the very last moment - to come forward.

"I cannot understand why a man regarded by some as a flag bearer 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."

A number of businesses have already signed up to either move to the 207-acre site or develop their own plans.

Wynyard Limited has instructed lawyers to have the case brought to a hearing as quickly as possible.

Yesterday, no one was available for comment from Cameron Hall Developments, which has plans for a site nearby, and The Northern Echo was told that Sir John was out of the country.

But Stockton North MP Frank Cook said he was doing everything possible to prevent legal action.

He said: "Putting it bluntly, my constituency and the rest of Teesside need this dispute like a hole in the head and I really do hope that we can find a more constructive way forward."

Councillor Bob Cook, Stockton Borough Council's cabinet member for development and regeneration, said: "Throughout the planning process, the council has taken expert legal advice, and is extremely disappointed that a judicial review has been lodged.

"The council will now defend its position and sincerely hopes it can be clarified quickly without any detrimental effect upon the developers and their confidence, which could result in investment and job opportunities going elsewhere."