Blackstone convinces court that Spurs can challenge Olympics decision

In a hearing today in the High Court Mr Justice Collins granted permission for the judicial review to go ahead. The case will be heard later this year.

Reasons for the decision are not yet known, but a spokesperson for the Judicial Office confirmed that permission had been granted and that Collins J had indicated he thought Tottenham had an arguable case.

Olswang partner Dan Tench instructed Blackstone’s Dinah Rose QC to argue the case for judicial review against London Borough of Newham, the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC), the Greater London Authority (GLA) and the Government.

West Ham made a joint bid for use of the Olympic stadium with Newham and plans to reduce the number of seats while keeping the stadium’s athletic track. It won the bid with backing from the OPLC in February.

A previous application for judicial review was turned down earlier this year.

Blackstone barristers  appeared for two other parties in court. Newham instructed Blackstone Chambers’ John Howell QC to lead Paul Luckhurst and Tom de la Mare in defence of the claim, while interested party West Ham is represented by David Pannick QC instructed by Henri Brandman & Co name partner Henri Brandman.

Eversheds partner Alison Oldfield instructed Brick Court’s Richard Gordon QC, Monckton Chambers’ Daniel Beard QC and Brick Court’s Andrew Henshaw for the OPLC.

The GLA has also gone to Brick Court. On behalf of the authority, Transport for London lawyer Jane Hart instructed Martin Chamberlain and Oliver Jones.

Monckton Chambers’ Paul Harris QC and Alan Bates won the Government mandate, advising the Department for Culture, Media & Sport.

Leyton Orient Football Club’s application for judicial review, heard in conjunction with Tottenham’s, was also successful. Mishcon de Reya instructed Blackstone’s Adam Lewis QC and Tom Richards.

The hearing was followed by users of social networking site Twitter. User @stokenewington praised Rose’s performance, calling her “formidable indeed”, while the Judicial Office was among those breaking news of Collins J’s decision on Twitter.