Underhill councillor Zahra Beg praised the strategic planning committee’s decision yesterday to refuse the Bees’ application to build a new ground close to their old home reports David Floyd

A road sign with with 'Underhill' on it in London Borough of Barnet — Barnet FC’s proposal to build a New Underhill stadium was rejected by councillors (Credit – David Floyd)

An Underhill ward councillor has welcomed the decision of Barnet Council’s strategic planning committee to refuse permission for a football stadium in her ward.

Barnet Football Club had put in an application to build a new 7,000 capacity ground on part of Barnet Playing Fields, close to the site of their former Underhill stadium home, which they left in 2013.

The committee refused permission for the plans, primarily on the basis that they involved building on Green Belt land and the loss of part of playing field.

Cllr Zahra Beg, who spoke in opposition to the plans at last night’s meeting, issued a statement today reaffirming her view.

She said: “It’s been wonderful hearing so much passion about this and I thank residents for taking the time to get in touch with me over the past few weeks and months.

“What’s clear is that there is a genuine desire to see Barnet FC back in the borough, a desire that I share.

“The playing fields are not for lease or sale, and they are well-loved playing fields within the green belt.

“To approve this application would have gone against local, regional and national planning policy.

“It would have also been against the wishes of a majority of local residents. I wish Barnet FC every success in finding a new site within the borough.”

The issue has divided local residents with strong campaigns both in favour of the stadium, from the Bring Barnet Back group, and in opposition to the plans from Save Barnet Playing Fields.

It also divided the two Labour councillors for Underhill ward with Cllr Beg’s colleague, Tim Roberts, speaking strongly in support of the club’s proposals at last night’s meeting.

Cllr Roberts told the meeting: “Nobody would expect Tottenham Hotspur to play at Arsenal stadium, Barnet Council should not be telling Barnet FC to play in Harrow.”

Despite the committee’s clear decision on the planned stadium, there was significant confusion expressed at the meeting about Barnet Council’s discussions with the club over alternative sites within the borough.

Barnet Post has contacted the council for clarification of the statement made at last week’s full council meeting by council leader Barry Rawlings, where he claimed that the council had discussed “three or four sites” with the club.

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