Tweet from BC Council has just said the following; "No cause for confusion: judicial review re Ashton Vale was in one man's name. He has withdrawn his action, so legal challenge is over." End of story.
Peter Holt On behalf of Bristol City Council - I am happy to clarify the situation. The application for a Judicial Review into the Council's decision not to award Town and Village Green status to the Northern half of the Ashton Vale site, was in the name of one local man - whose anonymity has been protected by order of the Courts. That one man has now written to the Council and to the Courts formally withdrawing his legal action, so that legal action is at an end. At this unnamed man's now-former solicitors or other opponents to the stadium development may not know exactly what is going on doesn't change the facts. The case was in his name solely, and he has withdrawn it, so our expert legal advice is that the legal challenge is at an end. This matter has divided opinions locally with some strongly in favour of preserving the whole site as green space, and others wanting to see a stadium built. As far as the Council is concerned the period of uncertainty is at an end, and the stadium development can proceed in the normal way.
Must admit I'm a bit lost.........Why does it seem when ever Bristol does ANYTHING it seems as though it's an April fool?? http://anthonybutcher.com/2012/02/judicial-review-application-withdrawn/
Sounds to me like the law firm representing them is worried there going to be out of pocket. Can't see this being a problem, should be done and dusted.
According to twitter sources, because the claim was made by an individual, substitution is impossible
but the laywers dealing with the claim say different! "We are aware that the claimant has been subjected to harassment and intimidation in relation to the claim, which is deplorable."
It's bollocks by the sounds of it. How can an anonymous individual receive abuse? It's done and dusted chaps, believe it!
http://t.co/Z2XD5ox9 Claimants letter of withdraw leaves absolutely no room for doubt (posted online by the council twitter account), it's impossible for the solicitors to proceed in any way shape or form. + this statement from the council; "We are not aware of any evidence of harassment towards unnamed sole applicant. People making such claims should substantiate or withdraw."
Can't believe the twists and turns in this ridculous farce - I'll believe it when the diggers DO move in!
Congratulations on the news. If all is well with the legalities, do we know how much of Sainsbury's part in the deal is completed? Have they got their planning application in place?
About time, it is totally ridiculous that a small band of protestors should be allowed to stand in the way of a prestige MULTI PURPOSE/FUNCTION facility that is so sadly lacking in this City... Please, please,PLEASE tell me that substitution is not allowed. This would be the sweetest irony of all, the protestors beaten by the very rules that they sought to manipulate....