An MP has called on Harrow Borough Council to hold Barnet FC to account over planning at its Hive stadium.

Harrow East MP Bob Blackman has written to Harrow Borough Council after a decision on plans for the stadium was deferred at a planning meeting last week due to a mistake by officers.

Members of the committee were advised to defer after it was found council officers had not carried out a key part of the planning process to establish whether or not an environmental impact assessment was required.

The MP for Harrow East said: “I am certain that Barnet’s match at the Hive on Saturday will go ahead as scheduled, but feel that the fact this event is going ahead, while the planning status for integral elements of the ground remains in limbo, sets a deeply concerning precedent for this borough.

“Harrow Council needs to act quickly and demonstrate effective leadership so as to hold Barnet Football Club to account; something they have failed to do so far throughout this entire episode.

“Residents need to have reassurance that the authorities are protecting their interests when major developments locally are taking place.”