The London Daily News

News Desk

Barnet Council will be reviewing a planning application from Saracens Rugby club to redevelop Barnet Copthall stadium into a "multi-purpose" sports venue which will cater for athletics, and other sports.

Barnet Football club had pushed for Barnet Council to consider a potential ground share between Saracens and the football club, this is now unlikely to take place.  Barnet Football club have for many years lobbied Barnet council to allow Underhill to undergo expansion or permit a move to Copthall.

Saracens are hoping that the Mill Hill stadium may also be used for a "training venue" for London 2012.

A public consultation has been running since November and will continue while the application is being processed.

Saracens, who currently play at Watford FC's Vicarage Road, will use the stadium for rugby from September until May.

The stadium will have a capacity of 10,000 and will have removable stands on three sides.

Nigel Wray Saracens Chairman said to BBC London:

"The award-winning Saracens Foundation will be based at the stadium, working in the Barnet community, creating 'Teams not Gangs,' improving the quality of life and creating opportunities for young people."

Barnet Council has confirmed to the London Daily News that a planning application has been received from Saracens, and that the application would be reviewed using the "normal channels".

Image credit: Saracens FC impression of new Copthall stadium