COUNCIL DENT BEES’ BIG PLANS
BARNET are facing a new planning battle after proposals to build a new stadium in the borough were poured scorn by local council chiefs.
The promotion-chasing Bees have started the process to build a 6,000-8,000-capacity stadium back in Barnet after having been forced to relocate to The Hive in nearby Edgware a decade ago.
But the plans, designed for a site just metres from their former home at Underhill, have been deemed “highly unlikely to be acceptable” by Barnet Council as it lies on green belt land.
Barnet moved into The Hive back in 2013 when they were forced to leave Underhill – their home of 106 years amid lease disputes with the council.
Long-standing chairman Tony Kleanthous has always wanted to bring the club back to its original home and started the process for a 6,000-8,000-capacity stadium back in Barnet.
The school adjacent to the new stadium site has been put “at the forefront” of the project, which has been budgeted for £14 million and funded solely by Kleanthous himself. Plans include a drop-off zone for parents, along with two multi-use game areas and a training pitch.
But Barnet Council are unconvinced and responded by saying the plans, as they stand, were unlikely to get the go ahead.
A spokesperson said: “While it would be good to welcome Barnet FC back to their home borough, the club has to be realistic about the planning challenges for situation a stadium.
“To date, we have been unable to move forward as they are yet to propose an acceptable site. In our effort to find them a home in Barnet several sites have been looked at but were considered to be unsuitable.
“The Underhill location is highly unlikely to be acceptable because it is on greenbelt land.
“In addition, a stadium on the Underhill site will cause additional pressure on local roads and highways. However, our doors are always open to examine other options.”
Kleanthous, chairman of the club since 1994, told the Standard: “Ultimately, it will be down to supporters to convince Barnet Council that this is the right thing to do.”