Plans for a new Barnet FC stadium at Barnet Playing Fields have been rejected by Barnet Council's Strategic Planning Committee, citing concerns over harm to the green belt and loss of open space.
The committee, which met on Monday 14 July 2025, voted against the application for a 7,000-seat stadium on Barnet Lane, following officer recommendations. Councillors determined that the proposed development would cause substantial harm to the green belt and result in the loss of valued public open space. The committee approved plans to redevelop Bunns Lane Car Park for residential units, which is covered in a seperate article.
The planning officer's report noted that the site is within the Metropolitan Green Belt and is designated as a local park and strategic sports hub. Building a stadium would conflict with national, regional, and local planning policy. The officer also highlighted concerns about ecology, archaeology, and transport, with detailed objections from the council's ecology, transport and highways officers, and from the Greater London Archaeological Advisory Service found in Appendix 2 of the Strategic Planning Committee reports pack.
Councillor Paul Edwards spoke against the application, emphasising the importance of the green belt for residents' wellbeing. From Moat Mount to Hampstead Heath, there is the Dulles Valley 10 mile green walk, mostly through the Greenbelt, including the land identified by Barnier Football Club,
he said. Many people use this on a daily basis to have walks. Our experience of the pandemic has shown that walking in the outdoors has a huge positive impact on our physical and mental wellbeing.
Councillor David Longstaff raised concerns about noise, particularly the impact on Ravenscroft Cottages and Northway Primary School, a specialist school for children with complex needs. He asked the committee to consider adding noise nuisance to the reasons for refusal.
Speaking in favour of the application, Councillor Tim Roberts argued that the club's return would boost the local economy and that the site is currently an abandoned grass and weedy field
. He also stated that the new stadium would increase biodiversity.
Assembly Member Anne Clarke urged the committee to reject the application, stating that the proposed site is unacceptable and that the land is green belt.
Robert Verrill, chair of Save Barnet Playing Fields, argued that the stadium would irreparably damage the community asset. He added that the football club already has a viable ground at the Hive.
Ian Botterell, speaking for the Bring Barnet Back campaign, argued that the stadium would be a fully funded community asset with space for NHS facilities and community groups.
Sean McGrath, agent for the planning application, stated that the club had explored alternative sites but that this was the only realistic option. He argued that the site is grey belt land and that there are very special circumstances that justify the stadium.
Ultimately, the committee voted to refuse the application, with six councillors in favour of refusal and three abstentions. The Strategic Planning Committee reports pack contains more information about the decision.
