Judicial review challenge ended after deal struck over electric car racing series

A judicial review challenge to Wandsworth Council’s decision to allow Battersea Park to be used for an electric car racing series has been withdrawn after agreement was reached for it to be the last year it is held there.

The claimant, James Jackson, had been supported by the Battersea Park Action Group and had crowd funded the legal action over the use of the park for the FIA Formula E Championship.

A hearing was due to take to take place in the High Court on 24-25 May. However, a tripartite agreement has been reached between the London Borough of Wandsworth, the Battersea Park Action Group and Formula E. Jackson’s costs will be met.

The 2015/16 season finale will now take place on July 2 and 3. The organisers of the all-electric racing series will now look for an alternative venue for future editions of the London race.

Cllr Jonathan Cook, Wandsworth Council’s community services spokesman, said: “Formula E has notified us that they will be holding their final races in Battersea Park this summer and that from 2017 onwards they will be seeking alternative locations. Our understanding is that this now includes the possibility of a street circuit in central London, which has always been their preferred option but was not previously possible.

“As a result we have secured a financial agreement with Formula E which includes a compensation package for loss of income in 2017. This means that the total amount the council will receive from Formula E for staging these racing events in the park has reached £2.85m.”

Cllr Cook added: “Some of this money has been spent on maintaining and improving Battersea Park, while the rest is helping to fund the vital frontline services that our residents rely on the most like services for vulnerable children, libraries, day centres for older people, support for disability groups and other important functions like fixing potholes and keeping our streets clean.

"I am proud it was this council that brought such a prestigious global event to London and I look forward to July's races which will be enjoyed by thousands of Londoners and Wandsworth residents alike. This council will continue to make sure that Battersea and all our other parks are used in ways which can benefit all our residents."

James Jackson said the settlement reached represented “a favourable outcome for all parties involved given the preparations already in hand for this year’s races as well as the obligation to reinstate the park”.

He added: “I am delighted that a solution has been found; this is good for everyone.”

Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag said: “We are very pleased that the Visa London ePrix will go ahead as planned. We would like to thank everybody involved in helping to make the races in Battersea Park such a success. We now look forward to finding a new home in London, using the streets and backdrop of one of the most famous and recognisable cities in the world.”