Barnet Football Club has announced it will appeal against Harrow Borough Council’s decision to take enforcement action over its stadium at the Hive.

In a statement on the club website, the Bees say they will contest the decision made by the planning committee on September 3 which rejected proposals for the site in Camrose Avenue, Edgware.

The application was rejected on the basis that the club's floodlights and the West Stand fall outside specifications agreed by the council.

The council issued the club with a planning enforcement notice, which means the club would have six months to demolish the stand, and three months to remove the lights, or risk facing prosecution.

In a statement on its website, the club said: “There has been considerable speculation about the possible demolition of the West Stand at The Hive and of the floodlights.

“Barnet FC wishes to put the minds of its supporters at rest by stating that the club intends to lodge an appeal against the decision that has prompted this speculation.”

It added: “Furthermore, should the appeal go against The Hive there are simple remedies available in terms of restructuring the stand and the floodlights that in no way compromise the future of the club.”

Barnet spent an extra £30,000 to increase the height of the floodlight masts by 10m so that they can be aimed down to reduce the amount of light spilled onto nearby properties.

With the stadium’s West Stand, the club moved seats from the East Stand to comply with new guidelines on spectator sight lines.

The increase in the size of the stand did not increase the capacity of the stadium, for which the club had planning permission.

The club also pointed out that there have been three cabinets leading the council during the past five months, which has led to delays in the planning process.

Should the planning inspectorate decide against Barnet FC, the club says it is a “relatively straightforward operation” to alter the dimensions of the stand and to lower the floodlights.

The statement went on: “It is difficult to see whom the beneficiary is in this scenario.

"The Hive site is operated along non-profit lines and should the operating costs escalate it will be necessary to pass on these costs to the many and varied groups in the community that currently enjoy the facility.

“There have been considerable efforts made to ensure that The Hive is an affordable facility for the local community.

“The Hive enjoys good relations with the bulk of those groups that represent the local community and we are confident that it will continue to be seen as a significant asset to the local area.”