Planning Application

Latham(James) PLC
16 April 2004


James Latham plc (the 'Company')


Planning Application



A circular dated 19 January 2000 was sent to shareholders regarding the proposed
disposal of the Company's freehold property asset at Clapton, East London.
Subsequent announcements detailed the planning application process and, after
the London Borough of Hackney turned down the Company's planning application in
early September 2003, the application went to appeal in December 2003.


The directors of James Latham plc now announce that, although the Planning
Inspector recommended refusal of the application, the Secretary of State has
disagreed with the Inspector's recommendation and, in an interim decision, has
stated that he is minded to allow the appeal, but this will be subject to
receipt of a revised planning obligation which satisfactorily addresses issues
on the deliverability of the affordable housing and demonstrates clearly that
affordable housing will be provided to meet local needs. The Secretary of
State's final decision will also take into account comments from parties on a
proposed new condition on designing out crime.


The Secretary of State has proposed, therefore, to defer his decision on the
appeal until 7 May 2004. In view, however, of the delay in receiving the interim
decision due to bank holidays, the appellants intend to seek an extension of the
period for submitting revised proposals.


A further announcement will be issued once the Secretary of State has made known
his final decision.





R J Latham
Chairman
16 April 2004






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