Saints should get on with it and submit planning application (Northampton Liberal Democrats)

Northampton Liberal Democrats <info@northamptonlibdems.org.uk>

Saints should get on with it and submit planning application

September 5, 2010 11:59 AM

Paul Varnsverry backs Saints expansion

The Directors of Northampton Saints Rugby Football Club have recommenced their 'war of words' on the Liberal Democrat administration at the Guildhall regarding the club's plans to increase seating capacity at Franklins Gardens.

Councillor Paul Varnsverry, Deputy Leader of the Council, has been involved in a series of meetings with Saints management. He responded to the Saints' latest attack, saying: "The line which Keith Barwell, Chairman of the Saints, is choosing to promote is that Northampton Borough Council is obstructing the Saints' plans. This is untrue. It has been made clear to the Saints' representatives that the council wishes to see the team prosper and supports its ambitions for extra ground capacity. My colleague, Councillor David Perkins, Portfolio Holder for Finance, and I have met with Saints representatives - including Mr. Barwell - and made this clear. My only concern is that match day parking issues across the St James area must be considered as part of the development proposals for the ground."

"The Saints can submit a planning application for the new stand whenever they wish. Presently, this would be likely to be determined by the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation, rather than the Borough Council's planning committee.

"Keith Barwell is threatening to move the Saints to Milton Keynes if the stadium is not expanded. The Saints will only move to MK if that is what Keith Barwell plans to do - not because of any policy of the Borough Council.

"Keith Barwell has been talking about submitting an application for the Franklins Gardens expansion for over a year. Perhaps it is time he just got on with it and made the application!"