Firm ends Spurs stadium challenge

13 March 2015 20:31

Tottenham are free to go ahead with proposals to build their new stadium after a family business dropped its legal challenge to the plans.

Archway Sheet Metal Works, in Paxton Road, behind the club's north stand, had its legal bid against a compulsory purchase order rejected at the High Court last month.

The firm has announced that it will not be appealing the decision, meaning that Spurs can proceed with their £400 million redevelopment of White Hart Lane.

In a statement the company said: "Whilst we were disappointed and surprised by the judgment of Sir Ian Dove in dismissing our claim to the compulsory purchase order made by Haringey Council to support the stadium scheme of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, we have decided not to appeal against his decision."

It continued: "We have always been willing to negotiate with the club on a reasonable and proper basis. Our efforts towards that end have been unsuccessful so far, but we will continue to try to achieve a proper settlement by agreement if that is possible.

"Our other overriding objective is also to arrange for the relocation of our family business as quickly as possible and to preserve the jobs of those we employ."

Spurs have planning permission for the new stadium and hope it will open in time for the 2018-19 season.

The London Borough of Haringey made the purchase order in March 2012, which was confirmed by the Communities Secretary in July 2014 following a public inquiry.

Acknowledging the company's decision the football club first tweeted the news, later releasing a statement on their website.

It read: "The club has received confirmation that Archway Steel will not be applying to the Court of Appeal for permission to appeal the High Court's decision last month to refuse their legal challenge of the Compulsory Purchase Order.

"The next step will be to vest the land in Haringey Council's ownership and to agree the compensation amount payable to Archway.

"We shall also continue to seek to reach an agreement with Archway by private treaty. We shall provide a further update as matters progress."

Source: PA