The error was that, in his approval letter, the Deputy Prime Minister described the Site as being 'within the built-up area of Brighton & Hove'.
Only part of the Site is in fact within the built up area, another part is within the area permitted for development, whilst a small part is in Lewes DC.
The Government lawyers conceded only on this one point of Lewes DC's challenge, and decided not to contest the Judicial Review thereby over-turning Prescott's decision.
All parties are now being asked again to submit written evidence to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, so that he can again consider whether to grant planning permission.
If planning permission is given, Lewes DC (and others) will still have the right to apply for a judicial review.
Martin Perry said on the Official BHA Site,
"The club is pleased that the Treasury Solicitor has decided to take this route. Although it will give a pyrrhic victory to Lewes, this is the most sensible and quickest route out of the mess Lewes have created"
"None of the grounds put forward by Lewes in their challenge give valid reason for John Prescott to change his mind, and eventually the planning permission will be confirmed.
"It can now be seen that the motive behind Lewes' challenge is not about protecting the AONB or because there are other sites. It is all about creating as much delay as possible, by seizing on a minor error, and getting the permission quashed on a mere technicality.
"Despite these frustrating delays the club is making excellent progress on putting together the funding package, and preparing the drawings and stadium details in readiness to go out to tender for the construction work. It is still targeting to start work mid-2007."
Only part of the Site is in fact within the built up area, another part is within the area permitted for development, whilst a small part is in Lewes DC.
The Government lawyers conceded only on this one point of Lewes DC's challenge, and decided not to contest the Judicial Review thereby over-turning Prescott's decision.
All parties are now being asked again to submit written evidence to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, so that he can again consider whether to grant planning permission.
If planning permission is given, Lewes DC (and others) will still have the right to apply for a judicial review.
Martin Perry said on the Official BHA Site,
"The club is pleased that the Treasury Solicitor has decided to take this route. Although it will give a pyrrhic victory to Lewes, this is the most sensible and quickest route out of the mess Lewes have created"
"None of the grounds put forward by Lewes in their challenge give valid reason for John Prescott to change his mind, and eventually the planning permission will be confirmed.
"It can now be seen that the motive behind Lewes' challenge is not about protecting the AONB or because there are other sites. It is all about creating as much delay as possible, by seizing on a minor error, and getting the permission quashed on a mere technicality.
"Despite these frustrating delays the club is making excellent progress on putting together the funding package, and preparing the drawings and stadium details in readiness to go out to tender for the construction work. It is still targeting to start work mid-2007."