Underhill stadium decision deferred
BARNET Football Club's future remains in the balance after a council planning committee voted to defer its decision on proposals to expand the Underhill stadium.
The plans included the provision of 2,000 covered seats required by the Football League by the end of this football season, if the club is not to face expulsion from the Coca Cola League division two.
The most significant sticking point was the club's insistance on including a new north stand in the proposals that would eat into the gardens of private homes on Westcombe Drive.
The deferral, rather than recommended rejection, means that planning officers will approach the club with a view to renegotiating the proposal in a way that could be acceptable for the council.
While councillors on the planning and environment committee expressed support for many other elements of the plan last night, there was a general sense of disappointment that the north stand had been included in the proposal.
Its inclusion left them little option but to reject or defer the proposal, given the impact its approval could have on the value of houses in Westcombe Drive.
It is unlikely that any revised proposal will come before a further planning committee before Christmas, giving the club little time to meet the requirements of the Football League.
1:42pm Tuesday 9th October 2007
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CommentPosted by: Mike and Alex, Barnet on 4:17pm Tue 9 Oct 07
This a major disapointment. It looks like Tories are causing the borough loses Barnet FC. Thousands of local people will be angry at the loss of their football club.
This a major disapointment. It looks like Tories are causing the borough loses Barnet FC. Thousands of local people will be angry at the loss of their football club.
Posted by: Gary, Finchley on 6:01pm Tue 9 Oct 07
So much for Mike Freer's idea that the council and the club could have a happy future together. Nonsense. If the borough loses this club, especially at the end of what could be a great season, it will be a disgrace.
Good job the election isn't next month, eh Mike?
So much for Mike Freer's idea that the council and the club could have a happy future together. Nonsense. If the borough loses this club, especially at the end of what could be a great season, it will be a disgrace.
Good job the election isn't next month, eh Mike?
Posted by: SelbyBee, barnet on 3:09pm Wed 10 Oct 07
It is sad and ridiculous that the council do not recognise the benefits and status of having a football league team carrying the name of the borough. It is ironic that in the centenary year, this council have seen fit not to support the continuation of the team in Barnet. The only alternative is to move outside the borough to a council that are more sympathetic. When one considers the number of football clubs that have moved to new stadiums or significantly upgraded their current stadium WITH the support of their local council it makes me even more ashamed and disappointed. The Conservative administration should be ashamed.
It is sad and ridiculous that the council do not recognise the benefits and status of having a football league team carrying the name of the borough. It is ironic that in the centenary year, this council have seen fit not to support the continuation of the team in Barnet. The only alternative is to move outside the borough to a council that are more sympathetic. When one considers the number of football clubs that have moved to new stadiums or significantly upgraded their current stadium WITH the support of their local council it makes me even more ashamed and disappointed. The Conservative administration should be ashamed.
Posted by: Andy Wood, Swindon on 9:05pm Wed 10 Oct 07
As a long time Barnet supporter of nearly 40 years I'm extremely disappointed by the Council's decison to yet again fail to show any element of support for their local Football club. The Tory council has continued to show that behind all their public aims to work with Barnet they never had any intention of agreeing to the revised plans. Though it breaks my heart to say it but its time we moved out of Barnet altogther and find a council who woudl welcome such a well respected family club.
I can only publicly state my support for what Tony Kleanthous is trying to do and thank him for all his efforts in keeping Barnet FC going.
As a long time Barnet supporter of nearly 40 years I'm extremely disappointed by the Council's decison to yet again fail to show any element of support for their local Football club. The Tory council has continued to show that behind all their public aims to work with Barnet they never had any intention of agreeing to the revised plans. Though it breaks my heart to say it but its time we moved out of Barnet altogther and find a council who woudl welcome such a well respected family club.
I can only publicly state my support for what Tony Kleanthous is trying to do and thank him for all his efforts in keeping Barnet FC going.
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