Barnet's chairman Tony Kleanthous

Barnet chairman Tony Kleanthous is delighted after Harrow Council approved a plan for Barnet to move from Underhill to The Hive next year.

The Bees had been looking at moving to Copthall but Barnet Council awarded the site to Saracens but their Harrow counterparts approved a 10-year lease for the club to play in the borough.

“We appreciate the tremendous support shown to us from Harrow Council throughout this whole process,” Kleanthous said.

“Now that we know our immediate future is secure in the area we will continue to make sure that we do our utmost to respect the views of local residents and be the good neighbours that everyone knows us to be at Underhill.

“We will also begin consultation with our fantastic supporters to ensure that we fully encapsulate their views in any stadium development.

“We have nearly completed the £4million second phase of renovations and improvements to the site this summer, which includes the fitness centre, conferencing facilities, restaurant and bar.

“These are now all open and available for use by the local community.

“By including the completion of the stadium to this, it will bring investment at The Hive up to £20million by this time next year.”