SAN DIEGO -- A federal judge ruled that the California Coastal Commission cannot require developer Doug Manchester to obtain a coastal development permit for the proposed redevelopment of the Navy Broadway Complex site in downtown San Diego, it was announced Wednesday.

U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Miller issued the ruling on Monday, according to an outside attorney for Manchester Financial Group.

In a statement, Manchester applauded the decision, saying it "removes an important hurdle and moves us forward with development of this landmark project which will revitalize and invigorate San Diego's Waterfront."

The developer brought the lawsuit against the Coastal Commission last June, arguing that the state agency does not have jurisdiction over the 15-acre site because it is located on Navy land.

Legal challenges brought by opponents of the project in state and federal courts on the adequacy of environmental documents are still pending.

Manchester signed a 99-year lease with the Navy last year to redevelop the waterfront Navy Broadway Complex site, which is located between Pacific Highway and Harbor Drive south of Broadway.

In addition to 2.9 million square feet of office, hotel and retail space, the plan calls for the construction of a building to serve as the future headquarters of Navy Region Southwest.