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Spurs apply for judicial review over Olympic stadium

Tottenham still hold out hope of eventually being awarded the Olympic site © PA Photos

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Tottenham have sought permission from the High Court for a judicial review into Newham Council's arrangements for the long-term future of the Olympic Stadium.

West Ham were awarded the right to occupy the stadium after London 2012, following an investigation and evaluation of the two Premier League sides' rival bids by the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC). But the north London club are outraged that Newham Council intend to loan the Hammers initial funds to convert the stadium into one suitable for football - believing that is sufficient grounds for a full legal review of the council's decision.

Tottenham are disappointed the council have not responded to concerns that they raised in an official letter, and so feel applying to the High Court for a review of the proposed loan arrangement - believed to be around £40 million - is their next course of action.

"The club has today sought permission from the High Court to bring a claim against the London Borough of Newham ("Newham") for judicial review of Newham's process in providing a loan for the conversion of the Olympic Stadium after the 2012 Games," a club statement said. "The club wrote to Newham asking it to explain its reasons and justification for its decision, but Newham has declined to respond to this request for information.

"Due to the time limits which apply to claims for judicial review, the club has had no alternative but to issue these proceedings in order to protect its position.

"The club continues to hold discussions with both local and national government bodies in order to seek to agree a feasible stadium solution."

Judicial review applications must be made within three months of the incident in question. On January 20 the council voted to approve a loan to West Ham - and in February the OPLC selected West Ham as the preferred tenant of the £486 million venue.

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