Stroud power firm turned down for Tricorn House

Ecotricity boss Dale Vince is more determined than ever to get his hands on Tricorn House after a government inspector turned down a council bid to buy it and sell it on to him.

The eyesore 1970s office block in Cainscross is earmarked for demolition and redevelopment as the new headquarters for the Stroud-based green energy firm.

Stroud District Council issued the owners Millville Ltd with a compulsory purchase order in April to force it to sell the derelict building for £1.3million.

But Guernsey-based Millville objected, which prompted a public inquiry in July.

Now the government inspector has ruled that the CPO was premature without any planning permission for Ecotricity's scheme and there should have been a binding development agreement in place between Stroud District Council and Mr Vince before the order was made.

A stunned Mr Vince says the decision is "bizarre" because both he and the council showed their commitment to the deal during the three-day hearing.

He said: "I'm surprised and disappointed because we made a great case for the CPO.

"The inspector identified two weaknesses in our case. We're determined to fix that with the council and go back for another CPO as soon as possible. It's onwards and upwards from here."

He added: "Knocking down the monstrosity that is Tricorn House is the right thing for the people of Cainscross and Stroud as well as Ecotricity.

"The ruling is a setback and will delay us by 12 months. We need to know if the council is still with us, which is a question for its members."

Coun Barbara Tait, district council cabinet member for development, echoed his disappointment. She said: "We're awaiting the inspec-tor's full report before we consider our options for further action on this issue."

Campaigners including Stroud Civic Society supported the CPO because Tricorn House had long been prey to vandals and arsonists.

Its chairman Juliet Shipman said: "The council took a brave decision to do something positive. The ruling is a real loss for the people of Stroud."

Millville Ltd agent Henry Church was unavailable for comm-ent.