The Council outlined TWO Options for the Plannning Brief. Firstly they prefer to see a redeveloped stadum on the site and spelt out a number of factors that they would need to take into account. The second option was for what they would want to see on the site only in the event of the first option not proving feasible.
The meeting then heard from Stuart Walker of architects Walker Wells Williams and Associates, who outlined their plans for 137 residental units:Plannning Officer Christina Parker outlined the planning process. The Application will go to the Isleworth and Brentford Area. From there the Application will go to the Sustainable Development Committee for a final decision by members. The Committee will need to take into account the relevant UDP policies, Planning Brief and responses from the consultation process.
Then followed the views of residents and supporters.
Speaking on behalf of BIAS, Luke Kirton:
³It is our belief that the Council should permit a housing development at Griffin Park that would maximise the value for the football club, whilst respecting the environment of those who live close to Griffin Park. It is also central to our belief that such a beneficial planning consent should be linked to the club's commitment to develop a replacement stadium elsewhere within the locality; we believe, however, that this link should not be framed in such a way that it unreasonably restricts the club's potential.²
The meeting was then thrown open to local residents. Not one had a bad word to say about the football club, and the message was that they would be sad to see the club leave the area. Even local residents who are not football supporters, expressed their affection for the club: how they like the vibrancy of a Saturday when they see families and groups off to football; they welcomed the identity it brings to the area; any inconvenience is minimal and irregular and is, at least, planned.
One resident summed it up quite nicely: Brentford FC is a good neighbour, and at least they don't have parties at 3am!
There were also a number of Brentford supporters in the audience who spoke about the heritage and history of the club and echoeing the views of BIAS, expressed concern that any development of Griffin Park should be linked to the development of an alternative stadium.
Bob Reynolds, Brentford's planning consultant, referring to the Council¹s first option doubted whether a redeveloped stadium was viable and he knew for certain that Brentford would not be making any such redevelopment. Ron Noades outlined the financial plight at the football club, he projected a loss of £890,012 for the next financial year. A projected income of £2,260,336 and projected expenditure of £3,150,348. BIAS has been in touch with Mr Noades since the meeting to confirm these figures and it is on the assumption that the club will lose a number of big earners during the coming Summer.
John McGlashan spoke on behalf of BEES UNITED, the Supporters¹ Trust, who painted a bleak picture for the future of the football club without the beneficial planning consent.
³The finances of the club dictate that without planning permission it will be forced to dispose of its only real asset, but it will be at a substantially reduced value, although it may pay off the overdraft. The club would then need to move and the site would stand derelict, possibly for several years, until a planning application is successful. In the meantime, Brentford will have lost its football club and all the benefits associated with it. The granting of a planning application with no restrictions could help make the club the focal point of the community in the very near future and benefit everyone.²
Speaking after the meeting to the , BRENTFORD, CHISWICK AND ISLEWORTH TIMES, Cllr Ruth Cadbury who chaired the meeting said:
³The meeting went very well. I think all the locals got a feel for the situation the club is in, and the details of the planning application the council now has to deal with. It was generally very constructive and I was glad to hear the views of the residents and supporters alike.
³What came over strongly is that people feel the club is a good neighbour and residents value it being at Griffin Park. It isn¹t seen as a nuisance. If it is at all possible than as a local councillor I would like to see them stay there, in terms of the value it provides to the community. They have been very considerate.
³We are hoping that Hounslow Council can now work with the club to find a solution. We want to have a constructive dialogue and help them plan for the future².
PAUL STEDMAN OF BIAS
http://www.bias.org.uk/PublicMeeting260202.html
The meeting then heard from Stuart Walker of architects Walker Wells Williams and Associates, who outlined their plans for 137 residental units:Plannning Officer Christina Parker outlined the planning process. The Application will go to the Isleworth and Brentford Area. From there the Application will go to the Sustainable Development Committee for a final decision by members. The Committee will need to take into account the relevant UDP policies, Planning Brief and responses from the consultation process.
Then followed the views of residents and supporters.
Speaking on behalf of BIAS, Luke Kirton:
³It is our belief that the Council should permit a housing development at Griffin Park that would maximise the value for the football club, whilst respecting the environment of those who live close to Griffin Park. It is also central to our belief that such a beneficial planning consent should be linked to the club's commitment to develop a replacement stadium elsewhere within the locality; we believe, however, that this link should not be framed in such a way that it unreasonably restricts the club's potential.²
The meeting was then thrown open to local residents. Not one had a bad word to say about the football club, and the message was that they would be sad to see the club leave the area. Even local residents who are not football supporters, expressed their affection for the club: how they like the vibrancy of a Saturday when they see families and groups off to football; they welcomed the identity it brings to the area; any inconvenience is minimal and irregular and is, at least, planned.
One resident summed it up quite nicely: Brentford FC is a good neighbour, and at least they don't have parties at 3am!
There were also a number of Brentford supporters in the audience who spoke about the heritage and history of the club and echoeing the views of BIAS, expressed concern that any development of Griffin Park should be linked to the development of an alternative stadium.
Bob Reynolds, Brentford's planning consultant, referring to the Council¹s first option doubted whether a redeveloped stadium was viable and he knew for certain that Brentford would not be making any such redevelopment. Ron Noades outlined the financial plight at the football club, he projected a loss of £890,012 for the next financial year. A projected income of £2,260,336 and projected expenditure of £3,150,348. BIAS has been in touch with Mr Noades since the meeting to confirm these figures and it is on the assumption that the club will lose a number of big earners during the coming Summer.
John McGlashan spoke on behalf of BEES UNITED, the Supporters¹ Trust, who painted a bleak picture for the future of the football club without the beneficial planning consent.
³The finances of the club dictate that without planning permission it will be forced to dispose of its only real asset, but it will be at a substantially reduced value, although it may pay off the overdraft. The club would then need to move and the site would stand derelict, possibly for several years, until a planning application is successful. In the meantime, Brentford will have lost its football club and all the benefits associated with it. The granting of a planning application with no restrictions could help make the club the focal point of the community in the very near future and benefit everyone.²
Speaking after the meeting to the , BRENTFORD, CHISWICK AND ISLEWORTH TIMES, Cllr Ruth Cadbury who chaired the meeting said:
³The meeting went very well. I think all the locals got a feel for the situation the club is in, and the details of the planning application the council now has to deal with. It was generally very constructive and I was glad to hear the views of the residents and supporters alike.
³What came over strongly is that people feel the club is a good neighbour and residents value it being at Griffin Park. It isn¹t seen as a nuisance. If it is at all possible than as a local councillor I would like to see them stay there, in terms of the value it provides to the community. They have been very considerate.
³We are hoping that Hounslow Council can now work with the club to find a solution. We want to have a constructive dialogue and help them plan for the future².
PAUL STEDMAN OF BIAS
http://www.bias.org.uk/PublicMeeting260202.html