A councillor says it was the right decision to reject Barnet FC’s plans for the Hive stadium but “people have been let down.”

Last night Harrow Borough Council’s planning committee rejected plans from the club for alterations to the stadium in Camrose Avenue, Edgware.

These included the raising the height of floodlighting, an increase in the height and capacity of the west stand and a reduction in capacity of standing areas.

Councillor Marilyn Ashton, who spoke at the meeting as a backbencher, said: “It was the right decision to refuse permission.

“But I do not think the planning officer’s original recommendation was not strong enough.

“People living near the site have been let down badly by the council’s mistakes.

“This whole situation has been unacceptable and it is embarrassing to be honest and residents are really suffering.”

Councillor Sachin Shah spoke against the plans at the planning meeting, while wearing a Back 2 Barnet t-shirt.

He said: “These alterations are anything but minor and I welcome the committee’s decision to reject them not only because of the lighting but also the size of the build.

“The infrastructure and the homes around the site just cannot deal with a stadium for 5176 people.

“Residents have gone through hell and have deserved better with the whole situation and I will be pushing the council to enforce its decision.”

The committee refused the application on the grounds recommended by officers due to the lack of evidence of the impact of floodlighting on nearby houses.

Members also agreed a motion to refuse the application on grounds the height of the work on the stand would result in a loss of amenity for neighbouring properties.

The club had argued its plans for 28 metre floodlights would result in less light shining in nearby homes compared to lower level lights at 15 metres.

Following last night’s decision a spokesman for Barnet FC said the club was reviewing its position. It is not clear whether the club will appeal the decision or not.

The use of the stadium for first team football by the club is lawful in planning terms and the decision will not affect the club playing at the site.