Chelsea clear to build stunning new stadium after settling dispute with neighbour

The neighbour blocking the construction of Chelsea’s £1 billion stadium has dropped his legal action after reaching an out-of-court settlement with the club.

Plans to redevelop Stamford Bridge into a 60,000-seater ground had been held up by retired banker Nicholas Crosthwaite, who complained the structure would blot out sunlight on his family’s home.

Chelsea agreed to compensate most of the 50 properties that would suffer as a result of the redesign but reached a stalemate with the Crosthwaites. The family took out a High Court injunction in May to stop construction work going ahead, delaying the club’s hopes of being in their new home by the start of the 2023-24 season.

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But Chelsea a major victory in January when the council used its powers to compulsorily purchase the air rights over part of Stamford Bridge and the railway line which separates the stadium from the Crosthwaites’ home. The family vowed to challenge the council’s decision but the club confirmed on Wednesday they had instead agreed to settle for an undisclosed sum.

A Chelsea spokesperson said: “Chelsea FC have reached an agreement to settle the ongoing legal proceedings in relation to rights to light. The details of the agreement are confidential.”