Saracens' Director of Rugby Mark McCall

Nigel Wray is delighted with the news

Saracens have responded to London Borough of Barnet officers recommending approval for plans to revive Barnet Copthall stadium.

The stadium would become home to Sarries, who would play up to 16 matches a year on a new synthetic pitch.

The facilties will also be available to the local community, free of charge including the Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers and other athletics clubs..

“The recommendation to approve our planning application by council officers is a very positive step forward and we sincerely hope that councillors at Barnet will also be able to support the plans,” chairman of Saracens Nigel Wray said.

“The recommendation is the result of a thorough analysis of all aspects of the plans and a lot of hard work to develop the best possible scheme. Issues have been raised throughout the process, such as Green Belt policy and transportation. We have responded positively by amending our plans, providing further information and introducing robust safeguards.

“We are not a normal developer. We plan to make Copthall our home. We are therefore committed to working closely with the local community and becoming a part of it. We want and need local support and we will work hard for it. We absolutely promise that. We will treat local residents with respect and make a positive difference in the area.

“We are delighted with the amount of support that we have received from throughout the local community. This has come from residents, local sports clubs, community groups and schools, all of whom will benefit from the new and improved facilities at Copthall and greater accessibility to them. We absolutely promise that we will make Copthall a community asset that we can all be proud of.”