Council to settle legal action over playing fields

A council has agreed to try to settle a legal claim being made against it in a long-running dispute about the use of playing fields.

In March, Peterborough City Council agreed to lease a section of Werrington Fields to the Ken Stimpson Academy for use as self-contained playing fields, but the school wanted more of the land.

Residents are opposed to the move saying the land has always been for mixed use.

The school applied for a judicial review and a final lease agreement is expected to be decided on in the new year.

City councillors agreed earlier this year to lease a section of Werrington Fields known as Area C1 to the school, but the academy trust felt the area was not sufficient and launched a judicial review claim against the authority.

All city council cabinet members have now agreed to try and settle the claim which would ultimately reduce the council's legal costs, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said.

A date of 20 January has been set for the council's cabinet to sign off on a final draft lease agreement - the details of which are currently being finalised by external legal firms.

A city council spokesperson said: "Discussions are ongoing about whether a settlement can be reached. As this is an ongoing legal matter we cannot comment any further."

The Four Cs Academy Trust was approached for comment by the LDRS.

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