Labour and Tory MPs unite on concerns over Spurs at Wembley Stadium

Extract from the Planning Officers' Report

 

Barry Gardiner, MP for Brent North – Recognition of the significant regeneration in and around the area. Queried why there is a need for Tottenham Hotspur to play games at Wembley’s full capacity. Acknowledged economic benefits, but also the impact of vehicles on local residents and traffic and that an event day can be an unpleasant experience for local residents. The increase in the number of matches will prove a real strain on local living, and it is important that residents have their say. Concern that there can be violence associated with the crowd, and anti-social drinking in the street, lack of toilets and litter. Concern that standards of street cleaning has deteriorated and that the police do not have the resources to combat on-street drinking. Seeking further measures to mitigate existing number of event day impacts.

Bob Blackman, MP for Harrow East – Concerns raised about the impact of parking at Stanmore, and the proposed additional events would amplify this. There will also be additional pressure on public transport. Match dates and kick off times can vary, often at short notice which can have severe impacts on his constituents. It is not clear how this will be mitigated. Suggestion that the concerts (which have the most impact on local residents) could be curtailed. Concern that this sets a precedent for Chelsea FC to use the stadium for a further three years.