Arsenal’s plan for a skyscraper could have been kicked into touch after a judge blocked the plan.
The club wants to build a 25-storey tower, complete with 400 student bedrooms, in the shadow of their Emirates Stadium in Hornsey Road, Holloway, but Islington Council refused permission in 2011.
A planning inspector overturned the decision after Arsenal appealed, but the town hall immediately launched a legal challenge in the high court.
On Tuesday morning a judge threw out the inspector’s ruling, which means the appeal on whether the club can erect the 78-metre tower will have to be re-heard.
Chris Eisen, of nearby Drayton Park, who co-ordinates the Stadium Neighbours Action Group (SNAG), said: “It’s a shame it keeps going back and forth but it’s a step in the right direction.”
Cllr Richard Greening, who represents Highbury West, said: “Lots of people have objected to the tower. It clearly goes against our policy on tall buildings and I am very happy the inspector’s decision has been overturned.”
A spokesman for Arsenal said: “We are aware of the court’s decision which was made on Tuesday morning and will now consider our position.”
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