Claimants get green light for judicial review of £17.9m sports complex

A High Court judge has given permission to claimants to bring a judicial review challenge to the grant of planning permission for a £17.9m sport and leisure complex.

The plans would see the development of a former landfill site at Walton in Surrey into a sports hub comprising a football and athletics stadium. The scheme is being funded by the sale of a separate sports ground.

Planning permission was granted by Elmbridge Borough Council on 26 January 2016.

The claimants are reported to comprise some local residents and the owners of a nearby hotel.

Mr Justice Supperstone concluded following an oral hearing last month (25 May) that the claim over the development at Waterside Drive was “arguable”.

Another High Court judge, Mr Justice Jay, had previously decided on the papers that the claim was not arguable.

Commenting on Mr Justice Supperstone’s decision, a spokesperson for Elmbridge said: “The council will accordingly prepare its case in defence to the claim on a date to be set by the court.”