An MP asked the Government what is delaying a decision on buying land for Tottenham Hotspur's new stadium.

Tottenham MP David Lammy yesterday asked the Department of Communities and Local Government when it would reach a decision on whether to grant Haringey Borough Council permission to place a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) on the site occupied by Archway Sheet Metal Work.

The CPO would give the council the authority to forcibly buy the Paxton Road site, which is currently preventing Tottenham Hotspur Football Club from beginning work on its new stadium.

The stadium work is linked to the council’s Northumberland Park Development project, which hopes to regenerate the area around the new ground.

Nick Boles MP, parliamentary under-secretary for planning, said the case was “complex”.

In response to Mr Lammy’s written question, he revealed the average length of time for the department to make a decision on granting a CPO was ten to 11 weeks.

Haringey Council submitted its application to the department in September 2012.

Mr Bowles said: “This is a complex case. After the close of the inquiry there were matters in respect of which further views of the interested parties were sought and considered. This has delayed the decision in this case.

“We hope to issue the decision on this shortly. It is not appropriate to comment further as to do so may prejudice the Secretary of State’s decision.”