A PLANNED public inquiry into the compulsory purchase order for properties in the way of the £60 million Westwood Cross shopping centre development in Thanet has been cancelled.

The three-day hearing was due to start this week but the developers reached an eleventh hour agreement with the owners of the properties concerned.

Thanet council leader Cllr Richard Nicholson said: "I am very pleased that all outstanding matters have been settled between the developer and the property owners and now look forward to this exciting project proceeding quickly."

The out-of-town complex will also include restaurants, bars and cafés, leisure and community facilities.