A LEADING barrister in the controversial Coppergate inquiry has withdrawn to become a judge.

David Mole led the inquiry for developers Land Securities, who want to carry out a £60 million redevelopment of land between Clifford's Tower and Piccadilly.

The scheme has met with huge public opposition following concern that it would effect an area of huge historical importance.

Mr Mole had presented Land Securities' case at the inquiry, which was postponed after four weeks in February because it overran its scheduled time.

It is due to reconvene on May 14.

"Mr Mole has become a circuit judge in the Harrow area, which is a great honour for him," said a spokesman for Land Securities.

"Land Securities will now be represented by specialist planning barrister Robert White."

Mr White works in the same chambers as Mr Mole did, and has been carefully briefed on the Coppergate issues, the spokesman said.

He attended the final few days of the first sitting of the inquiry after it became clear that Mr Mole would not be able to continue until it finished.

The spokesman said: "Mr White is fully conversant in all matters concerning Coppergate and the inquiry will not be affected by the change."

Meanwhile, opponents of the scheme have won support in France.

The Castle Area Campaign Group has received a petition against the development signed by 50 French opponents.

The support had been organised by French journalist Thierry Leprevost.

He said: "We ourselves had a very bad experience with Falaise Castle, the birthplace of William the Conqueror, where an architect built a wall of concrete beside the keep."

Updated: 15:28 Friday, April 26, 2002