DECISION AWAITED OVER FALMER STADIUM

The combined challenge of Lewes District Council, Falmer Parish Council and the South Downs Society to John Prescott's decision is moving closer to a conclusion.

A statement from Lewes District Council said: "Following the letter received from the Treasury Solicitor dated 6th April 2006 when John Prescott admitted that his mistake over the Brighton and Hove City Council Local Plan was a fatal flaw in his Falmer decision, the District Council has responded within just 19 working days.

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"We have asked the Treasury Solicitor to respond to us by 1 June at the latest. Whilst Mr. Prescott has admitted to this particular mistake, he has failed to respond to any of the other grounds of the Council's claim, of which there are 16 in total.

"We want a written assurance from the new Secretary of State that all the flaws identified in our challenge will be reconsidered before any new decision is issued. Provided the Secretary of State is willing to give us this assurance the case need not be heard in court.

"Lewes District Council, Falmer Parish Council and the South Downs Society have also asked for a written undertaking from Ruth Kelly, the new Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government that John Prescott will take no further part at all in the re-determination of the Stadium application.

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"It is anticipated that the Cabinet of Lewes District Council will meet on 6th June 2006 to consider their decision whether to take the case to the High Court or agree the terms of a Consent Order as proposed in the letter of 6th April. The Treasury Solicitor's response will be a crucial factor in the Cabinet's decision."