The Football Association are expected to speak at tonight's Brent Planning Committee on the massive planning application for the area around Wembley Station. They have been support by Clive Beets MP.
Clive Betts MP has written in relation to the proposal
following conversations that he had with the Football Association about the
proposed developments adjacent to Wembley Stadium. This letter seeks
reassurance regarding the potential impact of the development on fans being
able to get away from Wembley at the end of the games, about facilities for
people with disabilities and about the potential for fans to be held back in
“holding pens” at the end of the game.
According
to the analysis undertaken by the FA, the development could add two hours
before fans can get out of the car park onto the roads leading away from the
stadium. This amount of time is unreasonable and unacceptable, and could lead
to reputational damage to Wembley Stadium, the FA and English Football and
therefore an adverse effect on Brent Council.
The FA
have advised that fans with disabilities would take an extra 40 minutes on top
of the two hours to get away from the parking facilities that are proposed,
which may be a contravention of the Disability Discrimination legislation. It
is presumed that an equalities impact assessment will be undertaken.
The FA
has also advised that, because of changes to the flow of supporters
necessitated by the proposed development, it would be necessary to hold some
fans in an area for a period of time after the game had finished. This is a
throwback to the problems football had 30 years ago where away fans were held
for long periods of time after the games, with football fans effectively
criminalised and held behind in certain areas. This would be a disaster both
for the image of football, the image of the national stadium and the Council.
Letter of objection from the FA
A letter
was received from Martin Glen, Chief Executive of the FA raising issues which
are summarised as follows:
The proposals which look to develop high rise blocks close to the
stadium will severely damage the iconic view and status of the Stadium.
Whilst regeneration is vital, it needs to be balanced with Brent’s and
the FA’s duty to protect the spirit of what is a great venue.
Wembley is a part of a national identity and positive celebrations of
this should not merely be unhindered, but enhanced.
The aim of the FA’s objection is to retain the visual power of the
stadium to help stimulate every aspect of life in Brent, retaining the
emotional response Sir Norman Foster intended for the stadium.
If the Stadium is to continue to hold a special place in fans’ hearts,
it needs to continue to provide a world class experience. All regeneration
plans must place supporters at the heart of every day and that development need
to ensure their safety and free movement.
Currently the development does not do this. The parking options and
pedestrian and traffic flow are not adequate and need to be reconsidered to
ensure Wembley Stadium remains the best venue in the World.
