By Mark Baber
July 31 – The High Court has rejected Arsenal’s appeal against a planning inspector’s decision against their proposal to increase the number of concerts held at the Emirates Stadium from three to six per year, rejecting Arsenal’s contention the inspector had not properly taking into account the benefits of the proposal and its overall accordance with the local area’s development plan.
Islington Council rejected Arsenal’s application and planning inspector David Smith dismissed the club’s appeal in January 2014, arguing that: “If the club is unable to pay the salaries of the top players and retain them that would be a matter of regret to its supporters. However, although no concerts are currently scheduled, this did not prevent it from spending £42 million to acquire the services of Mesut Ozil.”
Some local residents were concerned about noise from additional concerts, which have included performances by Bruce Springsteen, Coldplay Green Day and Muse and which are estimated to earn the club around £350,000 each. (In comparison to £14 million a year spent on player wages).
Smith had admitted that some residents enjoyed the “buzz” of concert days, but that “in absolute terms the number of representations in support are greater than the objections”. He also said that there would be some minor economic benefit to Islington.
The overall support of the local residents, and benefits to Arsenal however, according to Smith, did not outweigh the inconvenience in terms of noise and potential anti-social behaviour to some residents, and the High Court has now ruled that the local council and Smith were legally entitled to make that determination.
Arsenal kick off their domestic pre-season campaign at the Emirates Stadium with the Emirates Cup this weekend. Europa Cup finalists Benfica have been drafted in as last minute opposition to make up the fourth team. Arsenal will face Valencia, and Benfica will play Valencia on Saturday, while on Sunday Arsenal will play Monaco and Valencia will play Benfica.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1736792602labto1736792602ofdlr1736792602owedi1736792602sni@r1736792602ebab.1736792602kram1736792602