Developer Candy & Candy will be fighting a claim filed against it by its former development director Andrew Locke

Locke, who headed up the management team of the 拢1bn Chelsea Barracks development, claims his contract was unlawfully terminated by the firm last year.

He previously worked for property company Hammerson, and was recruited by Candy & Candy in June 2007 as development director for the 13.8-acre site.

But in September 2008, according to the writ, Locke鈥檚 employment was terminated without the six months notice agreed in his contract. It also claims he has not received a 拢160,000 bonus, which he is demanding, plus interest.

Locke's lawyers, Taylor Vintners declined to comment, but said Candy & Candy had confirmed it would be defending the case.

A spokesperson for Candy & Candy said: 鈥淎ndrew Locke was a senior member of staff at Candy & Candy who was paid very handsomely. His employment within the company was terminated for good reason after only 11 months in the job.

鈥淲e paid him everything that we believe he was entitled to and all of the claims made by him in this legal action are refuted by Candy & Candy. If he insists on taking this to court then we will defend our position robustly.鈥�