The man who for the past three years was hoping to be granted the licence to run a new radio station in Cornwall only to lose out to a competitor, is seeking a judicial review.

John Grierson, who lives on The Lizard, in his personal capacity has put in a claim against the broadcasting regulator Ofcom, based, he says on Ofcom's failure to apply the licensing legislation correctly, and acting unreasonably in awarding the new local radio licence to Atlantic Broadcasting Ltd.

The preliminary hearing, at which the judge will decide whether or not to give Mr Grierson permission to proceed with a full judicial review case, will take place at the High Courts of Justice, London, on Tuesday, August 16. Mr Grierson said he would will be litigant in person and make his own submissions to the court.

This was an important case as it represented the second time Ofcom had been challenged within six months on its radio licensing awards, he said in a statement.

Atlantic FM, based in Newquay, was awarded the contract earlier this year. Eight companies applied for the licence, including CKFM led by Mr Grierson, who wanted to provide a music-based adult station serving only Cornwall and targeted at the 40-59-year-olds.

Mr Grierson set up CKFM five years ago with chairman Dr Alan Stanhope.