English Premier League football club Chelsea has taken a step closer to finalising plans for a redevelopment of its Stamford Bridge home after Hammersmith and Fulham Council ruled that an injunction filed by a local family to halt the project was not valid.
The Crosthwaite family filed an injunction in May of last year over concerns that the new 60,000-capacity venue would block light from entering their house near to the stadium.
Chelsea had gained planning permission for the project and endorsement from the Mayor of London, but was forced to seek further approval from the local council in the wake of the injunction. Hammersmith and Fulham Council met yesterday (Monday) to discuss the issue and opted to rule in favour of the football club.
According to the BBC, the council agreed to acquire land at the site, ensuring that the injunction is not valid and the Crosthwaite family cannot take the council to the High Court.
The ruling will enable the council to take responsibility for the land and lease it back to Chelsea, which in turn means it will not face a legal challenge. This will only be the case should Chelsea not reach an agreement with the Crosthwaites, with the club having already offered various compensation packages.
However, although the Crosthwaites no longer have any legal right to challenge the project, the family could seek a judicial review.
Monday’s ruling will come as a major boost to the football club, which has been hit by a series of issues in starting work. In November, it was revealed that the project would be delayed by three years.
Share this