Barnet FC have been in consultation with planning officers at Barnet Council since the deferment of the recent planning application for upgrading Underhill and, hopefully, a solution will be found in the coming weeks to enable the club to satisfy the Football League criteria by the end of this season.

Chairman Tony Kleanthous has discussed and submitted refinements to the application which, it is hoped, will go back to the Chipping Barnet Planning and Environment Committee early in December for approval.

Most of the original application met with approval from both officers and members and Barnet FC hope that the refinements will overcome any hurdles.

The club announced before the planning meeting that building contractors were in place and work could begin immediately on a covered South Stand, a covered stand at the North End for away supporters, new floodlights and much needed facilities for the disabled. This still applies.

The Football League has given wholehearted support to Barnet FC, the Football Foundation has agreed 50 per cent Phase One funding and the Football Licensing Authority approves the upgrading.

Fuller details will be announced as they come to hand in the weeks ahead for this short to medium term upgrading of the 100 year old stadium.


Dennis Signy