Peterborough City Council has agreed to explore a settlement in a long-running legal dispute over the use of Werrington Fields. The disagreement centres on a lease arrangement between the council and the Ken Stimpson Academy.
In March, the council approved the lease of a section of Werrington Fields to the academy for use as self-contained playing fields. The school subsequently sought access to a larger portion of land, prompting residents to raise objections on the basis that the area has traditionally been designated for mixed use.
The academy trust applied for a judicial review after finding the allocated section, known as Area C1, insufficient. A final lease agreement is now expected to be decided in the new year.
All members of the city council cabinet have agreed to attempt a settlement, which is expected to reduce legal costs, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. A date of 20 January has been set for the cabinet to sign off on the final draft lease agreement, with details currently being finalised by external legal advisers.
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 has been approached for comment. Previously, it was agreed that the trust and council would share the estimated £80,000 cost of fencing. The trust now states it “does not accept” any obligation to contribute, arguing that the council, as freeholder, should bear the full expense. The trust has also indicated that the council should cover its costs for any court proceedings.
The settlement talks reflect the council’s desire to resolve the dispute without further legal escalation. Both parties are negotiating key elements of the lease and associated responsibilities, with an aim to finalise the arrangement early next year.
The Werrington Fields dispute highlights the complexities that can arise when educational institutions seek additional land use within areas designated for community purposes. It also underscores the importance of clearly defined responsibilities for costs and legal liabilities in lease agreements.
