A councillor says Barnet FC’s appeal against a planning decision is a blow for people living in the area.

The comments come after it was announced the club would appeal against Harrow Borough Council’s planning decision to reject its proposals for its stadium the Hive.

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

Cllr Sachin Shah, who fought the plans, said: “I think it is a shame that Barnet has gone for appeal with this.

“Democratically elected councillors made their decision and the club should be looking to work with the council and residents to come to an understanding.

“It is a blow for residents and brings back uncertainty for them. If the appeal went in Barnet’s favour it would be bitter disappointment.

“I will be speaking on behalf of residents during the appeal process and I hope the appeal is not successful.

“The whole issue of Barnet FC and the Hive has not been handled properly by the council.

“This case shows different council departments just cannot work together and residents are left in the middle. It’s been a bit of a disaster really.”

Cllr Marilyn Ashton, who spoke at the planning meeting in September against the proposals, said: “I was very pleased the council rejected the decision in September.

“Now it is important the council fights the appeal for the residents who have suffered for a long time.”

The club originally submitted the plans for alterations to raise the height of floodlighting, an increase in the height and capacity of the west stand and a reduction in capacity of standing areas earlier this year.

Notification of the appeal will be sent to the Planning Inspectorate and date for a public enquiry will be set soon.