Brentford FC fans marched to City Hall today (February 17) in a last minute bid to urge Boris Johnson to push through plans for a new stadium.
Members of the Brentford Independent Association of Supporters (BIAS) delivered the petition of over 9,000 signatures to Labour’s London-wide assembly member, Murad Qureshi, for him to pass to the Mayor of London’s office before he gives the final thumbs up or down to a new stadium in Lionel Road. He is expected to decide tomorrow (February 18).
The group launched their petition on January 28 in reaction to an opposition group who have been encouraging people to sign a petition against the stadium which was granted planning permission by Hounslow Council in early December.
According to planning rules, the application then went straight to Boris Johnson who can either approve it, reject it or send it back to the council before building work can start. Eric Pickles, the Secretary of State for communities and local government also has to decide whether the development should go ahead or not.
The plans approved by the council include a new football stadium with a 20,000 capacity stadium. Brentford FC also received outline permission to build 11 surrounding tower blocks of seven to 17-storeys with 910 flats and a hotel, with details to be approved at a later date.
BIAS member, Gemma Teale said: “We need to take this opportunity to create something that has room for us to grow. It really is a great opportunity.
"Unlike many new stadium developments, and several suggestions for a new Brentford stadium in the past, it doesn’t mean creating something that is separate from its community. In fact we will be able to bring the community closer to the club with new facilities for the award winning Brentford FC Community Sports Trust. The residential development that will surround the club will add to this, and BFC will remain a community club.
“We need to let the decision makers know that there is support locally, in London, and nationally for developments of this kind. We should also remind them that football clubs and football fans still can be parts of their communities.
“We are aware the Secretary of State can also call this matter in and review it. We sincerely hope he will feel confident in the extensive work done by Hounslow and decide he has no need to do this.”
