A controversial landlord licensing scheme may yet be introduced in Hyndburn even though a high court judge ruled against it.

The selective licensing programme which was introduced by the previous council was thrown out by a high court judge who found that Hyndburn Council had failed to properly consult with landlords in east and west Accrington.

The council was also ordered to pay £100,000 in legal costs during the hearing in June.

But council leader Miles Parkinson has told the Observer his council is re-examining the programme.

He said: “We are now in charge and we still feel it should be introduced and go through the process again and make it done correctly.

“Councillor Clare Pritchard is looking at this and will be designating the areas that are suitable for landlord licensing in consultation with all relevant stakeholders.

“It is a minefield but you cannot give up when you go round the borough and see some of the properties rented out to people that are quite frankly not suitable for human habitation.”

The powers will give the council more clout to deal with absent landlords and nuisance tenants.

The news comes as the council faces another legal battle.

A company has brought a claim against the council for charging for searches of the local land charges register.

Hyndburn is one of around 300 local authorities involved in the case.

The company is seeking a refund of all fees paid over six years as such charges may be against European law.

Coun Parkinson said the company is seeking refunds on all Land Registry searches it has asked Hyndburn to conduct on its behalf. The council, like hundreds of others, charges for searches.

The defence team is being co-ordinated by the Local Government Association (LGA).

Coun Parkinson said: “There are so many things that the council has to do and of course one would hope that the LGA comes through with the vindication.

“If it doesn’t then we will have to deal with it.”

Conservative group leader Coun Peter Britcliffe said: “I don’t know what the financial implications are but obviously the fact that every council has been doing this suggests that anything that’s been taking place has taken place in good faith.

“You would think the legal costs would be lower as it is more than one authority involved, but I think we should try and find out what the costs are to the council.”

A council spokesman said: “Various councils are trying to get this action stayed as the claimants haven't said with enough clarity what they are claiming for.

“Therefore its too speculative to answer any questions in the context of ongoing legal proceedings.”