Spurs withdraws £16m community funding for new stadium

A plan has been agreed allowing Tottenham Hotspur Football Club to go back on an obligation of £16m of funding for the community as part of its new stadium in north London.

The money was to be used for social housing, school places and other road and transport links.

But the club said the commitment was not viable.

Haringey Council said the revised plan will still pave the way for regeneration of north Tottenham.

The plan features a 56,000-capacity stadium, more than 280 homes, a public space and improved highways and public transport, the Labour-run council said.

Richard Wilson, leader of Haringey Liberal Democrats, said the council was so "desperate" to get the club's investment it had not stood up for residents and council taxpayers.

He said "not a single affordable home" will now be built and yet there are 3,000 people on council waiting lists.

Alex Strickland, of the Labour Party, said in the meeting on Monday that he would advise people to "look at the bigger picture" and recognise that it was a "very significant" development that Tottenham needed.

The council said it had agreed with the Greater London Authority last week to deliver a £27m investment in north Tottenham.

"Following last summer's riots, the need to transform Tottenham for the benefit of everyone who lives, works and studies in the area is stronger than ever," said Alan Strickland, cabinet member for economic development.

Tottenham Hotspur said it was grateful for those in the council and community who had expressed such enthusiasm for their plans.

Chairman Daniel Levy said: "We are proud of our roots in Tottenham and we are committed to seeking to deliver a world-class new stadium, ensuring employment opportunities, economic uplift and community gains."

The club had expressed an interest in taking over the Olympic Stadium, but a legal wrangle arose after West Ham United and Newham Council were awarded the stadium to use after the 2012 Games.