An interesting test tomorrow of the government’s efforts to get local councils to stop pandering to NIMBYism. Barnet Council is set to vote on @BarnetFC’s bid to return to its 140-year old home by building a new stadium and community facility on a low-quality piece on greenbelt
One Barnet councillor has just stood up to argue that the £2.1 million project should be blocked because “if there was an FA Cup replay and it went to penalties” then there might be some noise until 10.30pm. This is the sort of absurd mentality in town halls that this country is
Another Barnet councillor suggests the stadium floodlights - which will be in use for a couple of hours once a fortnight - might affect the wildlife in a local brook. I kid you not.
For those interested, the red area here (you may need to zoom in…) is the bit that Barnet Council seems to think would constitute an unbearable loss of local green space if developed…
Council officers have raised concerns about the unknown impact that development might have on otters. The site in question is a playing field in London, miles from any rivers.
Councillors are having a 20-minute and counting debate about whether or not they should have a vote on whether or not to have a vote. It’s full Jackie Weaver. These are the people in charge of approving vital development.