A residents’ association has condemned a “farcical” consultation on Barnet FC’s planned move to Harrow.

Shirley Sackwild, secretary of Canons Park Residents’ Association, said Harrow Council’s consultation on the club’s request to play their home matches at The Hive Football Centre in Prince Edward Playing Fields had been inadequate.

The council’s cabinet will decide on Thursday whether the switch from Underhill Stadium in Barnet – the club’s home of 105 years – will be given the go ahead, and council officers have recommended it be approved.

But homeowners in the area have complained that the agreement would cause parking chaos on match days, with a controlled parking zone (CPZ) being introduced, while there are also concerns over noise and litter.

Mrs Sackwild said: “I’m sure that it will be pushed through, although of course it shouldn’t be pushed through.

“It hasn’t been a proper consultation – there were some leaflets sent out but they didn’t send enough. And then the second batch didn’t arrive until the morning of the consultation. The whole thing is a total farce.

“How are people meant to give their opinion on the plan when they haven’t been given enough information? The council are totally ignoring the concerns of the majority of local residents.”

She added that locals had been assured by the council when planning permission for The Hive was granted in 2008 that no league football would be played there.

Council officers have recommended that the club is given initial approval to play matches in the playing fields for ten years, until the end of the 2022/23 season, although there is a 125-year agreement between the council and club already in place to use the land for training purposes.

The council’s report says the economic benefits of bringing the club to the borough are wide-ranging – from giving the community access to the facilities to bringing match-day income to local businesses from fans who attend games.

But Mrs Sackwild said: “People here have always said they do not want a CPZ and that’s what is being talked about – they don’t want to have to pay for parking outside their own homes.

“We’ve already got problems on Whitchurch Lane because of people parking legally, but inconsiderately. Barnet may not have a huge fan base, but if they draw a Premier League club in the cup this road will grind to a halt.”

Councillor Husain Akhtar, who represents the area, said he could “totally understand” why many residents had concerns about the move.

He said: “If it is to go ahead, then we have to ask the club to come forward and pay for any changes to the road and if there are any changes to parking restrictions.

“People living on Whitchurch Lane are saying that they had a quiet life just a few years ago and now it is going to be completely transformed.”

Harrow Council's portfolio holder for property and major contracts, Councillor Thaya Idaikkadar, said: “We want the opportunities Barnet Football Club can bring to be embraced by the entire local community and we would to thank everyone who took the time to share their views with us and take part in the consultation. 

“We are sorry to hear some residents do not feel adequately informed of these proposals but we would like to reassure the local community that we are listening to them carefully.

“We will not make a final decision until their concerns are addressed and we have taken on board the feedback provided during the consultation which included letters circulated to 2,500 households in the immediate area and drop-in sessions.

“The proposals have been outlined in detail throughout the process and residents met and discussed the move with the Chairman of Barnet Football Club, the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration, and the Corporate Director of Place Shaping.”