Arsenal has paved the way for work to start on our new 60,000 all seater stadium after all of the AFC red tape and proposals were cleared today.
A High Court judge today rejected a challenge by local residents following Islington Council's granting of planning permission for our football club. The path is now clear for Ashburton Grove, which is targeted for completion for the 2004/05 season.
AFC director Ken Friar said: "We are delighted with this outcome. It does not come as a surprise, as we knew our proposals were sound, our planning application was of the highest quality, and the council's handling of the application was exemplary. Nevertheless, it is a relief to have the challenge rejected.
Ken continued: "Now we are able to get on with building the new stadium and all the regenerative development that will go with it."
Arsenal will now finally be able to compete on an even financial footing with the likes of Real Madrid and Manure.
Planning permission was given by Islington Council last December following Ken Livingstone's support to our proposals.
Better news followed when former Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions Stephen Byers, decided against a public inquiry into the project, to the relief of many.
But a resurgent 'Communities Alliance' argued and filed papers at the High Court in a bid to quash Islington Council's approval.
Islingtons 'CA' took the action after the council stated it would oppose any delay in the development of a new stadium and associated proposals for the north London site. The 'CA' also claimed environmental studies carried out by the Club were not good enough to enable the council to decide on the planning applications.
The communities group also contended proper procedures were not followed in the meeting when the council considered the club's application.
But, thankfully, the Gooners were today given the final go-ahead for the move that will see us switch homes to the biggest club ground in London.
More than 2,000 new or refurbished homes will be created, a sports and community center built and business and industrial spaces will be enhanced. AFC will also contribute to larger waste and recycling center (nearer White Hart Lane-ED) and offer further open space provisions and community health facilities.
Around 83 firms currently located in Ashburton Grove will be relocated.
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