Concerns have been raised over plans to update a controversial sports hub, including ambitions to increase the capacity of the main football stadium by more than 60 per cent. 

Harrow Council approved two planning applications at The Hive - the home of Barnet Football Club - relating to improved practice facilities and an update to the team's stadium.

Both schmes were supported by the Labour Group members of the planning committee, but their Conservative counterparts were far from convinced. 

Cllr Stephen Greek said the plans were another example of people trying to squeeze as much as possible out of the site in Camrose Avenue, Edgware. 

"This was meant to be a training facility and now it's the main home of the football club," he said. 

"Gradually we've seen more and more on this site and now we've got this expansion. 

"It puts it in a different league, so to speak. It's more detrimental to residents who have had to put up with a lot more than they expected to."

His opinion was supported by Cllr Anjana Patel, who agreed that the situation was "getting out out of hand". 

As well as the likely increase in number of visitors to the ground, Cllr Greek, Cllr Patel and Cllr Bharat Thakker pointed out potential problems associated with parking and litter collection. 

The council's highways department explained that a travel plan, with "robust and ambitious targets", would be introduced. 

This could include an event day parking scheme, while the applicant might also be asked to contribute towards parking improvements in the region. 

Officers also noted that litter enforcement teams would be on hand to deal with any issues relating to dropped rubbish. 

As well as the stadium expansion, which would see the introduction of a new stand and the capacity of The Hive jump from 5,176 to 8,500, new academy training facilities were given the green light. 

This will result in a new indoor academy building, an indoor sports hall and 3G pitches. 

A permanent academy stand, ticket office and club shop, as well as food and toilet cabins, will also be introduced.

Cllr Greek voiced similar concerns over the council "allowing too much" at the site, and Cllr Patel said the use of floodlights until up until 10.30pm was "too late". 

But Cllr Simon Brown, responsible for public health at Harrow Council, said the community access scheme, which will give priority bookings to disadvantaged groups, "needs to be applauded". 

He said: "One of my main aims is to create mechanisms and strategies to tackle childhood obesity and, from a public health perspective, this certainly delivers on that."

Planning officers explained that the "extensive new sports facilities" outweigh the concerns relating to open space. 

They too cited the community access scheme, which will provide 'selected groups', such as local schools, those over 50, ethnic minorities, women and those with disabilities, greater opportunities to make use of the grounds. 

Barnet Football Club has been contacted for comment.