Saracens submit revised £18m planning application for Copthall (From Times Series)

Saracens submit revised £18m planning application for Copthall as Barnet issue angry statement

5:56pm Monday 5th September 2011 in Sport By Simon Mail

Sarries chief executive Edward Griffiths: Action Images

Saracens have submitted a revised planning application for Copthall which will involve investing £18m into reviving the stadium.

Barnet issued a statement today on their website criticising Barnet Council and accusing them of trying to "push football out of the area and move rugby in."

When questioned about the damning statement from Barnet, Sarries chief executive Edward Griffiths chose to concentrate on highlighting their revised plans for the stadium.

Griffiths said: "We have put forward a revised planning application to invest £18m of private money to transform Copthall into a vibrant community sports hub.

"We are pleased that the overwhelming majority of stakeholders and Barnet residents seem to agree this represents the best way forward for Copthall."

There will now be a 28 day consultation period following the Premiership champions' revised planning application.

Saracens originally launched a £10m bid to move to Copthall for the start of this season. But they have been delayed by the planning process and will be playing at Vicarage Road for at least ten matches with the option of extending their stay.