High Court to hear judicial review challenge this month over sale by council of land next to football stadium

The High Court will later this month (28-29 March) hear a judicial review challenge over whether a council's sale of land surrounding a football club with a half-built stand was lawful.

Developer Cilldara Group Holdings was given permission by the High Court to apply for a judicial review, after its bid for land next to Northampton Town's stadium was rejected by West Northamptonshire Council.

Last year, the council approved a deal for £2m from County Developments Northampton Ltd (CDNL), a company owned by the football club’s owners, to buy the land behind the stand.

This was despite an offer of £3m for the same land from Cilldara Group Holdings, it is claimed.

Officers recommended the CDNL bid to the council on the basis that work on the ground's East Stand would more likely be completed, which has remained half-built for eight years.

In November, when permission for judicial review was granted, the club expressed their frustration over the legal action, noting that it “certainly delays progress on the East Stand” due to the uncertainty of ownership of the land.

However, it notes that the situation is “not within the club’s control” and that their “full focus remains on the pitch”.

West Northamptonshire Council has been approached for comment.

Lottie WInson

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