Bring Barnet Back - Update

[iainb]

Hi all,

There are a few BBB threads on the forum but I thought it was worth sharing quite a detailed update on a separate thread.

The following is a summary of our case that is being put to all councillors, politicians, planners and anyone else who has a voice in the process:

http://eepurl.com/jhcTaU

We will be in touch with some more specific requests early next week, but in the interim it would be great to share this as widely as possible with anyone who has an interest in the club / stadium.

Many thanks,

Iain

[hoppy]

My glass has gone from half full to half empty.

[raficooper]

Presumably there’s a reason it’s framed so negatively? Managing expectations? Reality? Political?

[BrizzleBee]

I didn't find it negative - I thought it presented a compelling case, whilst being careful to address the concerns of those that oppose it.

[thebeekeeper]

Thanks for the update - very interesting indeed. It seems to me that there's the potential for history to repeat itself here, re: local residents cutting off their nose to spite their face.

BRASS didn't want a stadium south of Underhill and ultimately ended up with something far worse in the form of a large school. If I'm reading this correctly, any appeal from us (surely highly likely if the initial plans are rejected) would almost certainly lead to grey belt designation and the potential to build houses on the site - which presumably is far less desirable for people living in the area.

I'd be really interested to know if those in opposition have been presented with that scenario, and if so, what their take on it is.

I'm not interpreting this quite as negatively as some people seem to be. Is it not the case that our chances of success at appeal would be quite high, if the area is re-designated as grey belt? Obviously we don't want to have to go through an appeals process, but that sounds positive nonetheless - even if the 50-50 estimate for the initial planning application isn't as comprehensive as we'd obviously like.

[iainb]

Hi all,

The intention isn't to frame negatively. As the default on greenbelt is for proposals to be rejected, we decided to dismantle these objections first. After this, the pro case is made.

To be 50-50 in a position on greenbelt is a very strong position and the club / planners have taken all the right steps so far.

[AidanGRH]

Really interesting update.

I read it as being clear that the site will be built on, so a choice between a community asset or housing. Makes our case even more compelling I would have thought.

[rudebwoyben]

Funny how all of our reactions to Iain’s update are so different, I’m still pretty positive after it.

[Berlinbee]

It’s very well worded and the second half reads a lot more positively. Well done Iain and everyone involved. Having read the second half where the case is made for New Underhill, I cannot see how Barnet Council could reject the plans. The fact Barnet Council have applied for a £59 million bailout for 2026, the potential financial net gain of the stadium with extra footfall and local jobs and the fact the chairman is willing to pay at no extra cost to the council. Who on earth could say no unless they were insane?

These are points that we all really need to drill into the heads of anyone making a decision

[barnetpete]

I see it as very positive update. Getting a stadium was never going to be easy, even if it wasn't on Greenbelt. To be 50:50 in a big infrastructure decision like this is good. Anyone who thought we'd just rock up, put in some plans and then start building was far too hopeful.

Would appear that we will be getting some actions from the BBB campaign for us to play our part, lets make sure we all do our bit to make a difference.

[South_Belfast_Bee]

Thanks for the update - very interesting indeed. It seems to me that there's the potential for history to repeat itself here, re: local residents cutting off their nose to spite their face.

BRASS didn't want a stadium south of Underhill and ultimately ended up with something far worse in the form of a large school. If I'm reading this correctly, any appeal from us (surely highly likely if the initial plans are rejected) would almost certainly lead to grey belt designation and the potential to build houses on the site - which presumably is far less desirable for people living in the area.

I'd be really interested to know if those in opposition have been presented with that scenario, and if so, what their take on it is.

I'm not interpreting this quite as negatively as some people seem to be. Is it not the case that our chances of success at appeal would be quite high, if the area is re-designated as grey belt? Obviously we don't want to have to go through an appeals process, but that sounds positive nonetheless - even if the 50-50 estimate for the initial planning application isn't as comprehensive as we'd obviously like.

You're not suggesting that NIMBYs don't think the consequences of the actions through, are you?!

[beeman]

Great update, thanks Iain and the team,

[John Hunt]

I didn't find it negative - I thought it presented a compelling case, whilst being careful to address the concerns of those that oppose it.

Absolutely agree.

My glass was completely empty before the surprise announcement that we were working on it a year ago.

Well done to all involved for getting this far and here's to a positive planning meeting.

COYBS BBB

[John Hunt]

The council are doing a survey online as to how to improve Barnet.

https://www.engage.barnet.gov.uk/barnet ... -framework

Bringing our football club home would be my priority.

[John Hunt]

The council are doing a survey online as to how to improve Barnet.

https://www.engage.barnet.gov.uk/barnet ... -framework

Bringing our football club home would be my priority.

Actually questions 2 and 9 allowed me to add a comment which i have done in support of BBB.

I wonder whether it woulld be of any use for others to fill it in.