Barnet FC looks likely to be able to retain the facilities at its home ground as they stand after Harrow Council confirmed it would not be contesting the club’s appeal.
In building The Hive Football Ground in Camrose Avenue, Edgware, the club exceeded the parameters stipulated by its 2008 planning permission and so applied last year for retrospective permission for the larger west stand and taller floodlights that had attracted complaints from neighbours.
The council refused permission and served the club, which competes in the Conference Premier league, with an enforcement notice demanding demolition of the unauthorised structures on threat of prosecution.
However, a fortnight ago, the council withdrew the notice after receiving legal advice that a three-day public inquiry scheduled to begin on June 10 at Harrow Civic Centre, could end up costing taxpayers £300,000 in legal bills.
Club chairman Tony Kleanthous said: "The apocalypse that everyone was predicting following the relocation of the club hasn’t happened and the support of The Hive from the local community has been absolutely tremendous.
"We are proud to work with our neighbours and we will continue to do so in order to improve the operation of this world class facility.
"Let’s hope we can now move forward together to maximise the positive benefits we bring to the local area."
There was further good news for the club, nicknamed The Bees, on Wednesday last week when the council’s planning committee decided not to fight the club’s appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.
Councillor Bill Phillips (Labour), a member of the planning committee, said after the meeting last week: “What this shows is that we as a local authority, and we as a planning committee, and we as a community are in no position to make a decision to decide what happens to local citizens.
“The neighbours of the ground did not sign up for living next to a football club, and yet here we are.
“All that can be done now is for the council to come together with the owners, say let bygones be bygones and come to an arrangement.”
A council spokeswoman said: “Following the planning committee meeting, the council will not put forward any evidence for any of the reasons for refusal. We will advise the planning inspectorate of our decision and it will decide how this matter moves forward.”
Bob Blackman, MP for Harrow East, said: “It is utterly disgraceful and shows nothing but contempt for everyone who has had their view blighted and whose homes are being lit up at all hours by the ridiculous situation with the floodlights.
“Barnet FC have shown a staggering brass neck by refusing to correct these issues and for pursuing legal action instead.”
One poster on Barnet FC’s fan forum – www.onlybarnet.com – writing under the username ‘kingpinfid’ said: “I’m glad that common sense has prevailed in the end. But hopefully TK [club chairman Tony Kleanthous] will put more thought into his/the club’s actions in future.
“We need Harrow Council more than they need Barnet FC. Never forget that!”
