Three Hounslow planning committee members stepped down ahead of a meeting to decide an application for Brentford Football Club’s new stadium.

The proposed stadium in Lionel Road South will be heard at a Hounslow Council planning meeting tonight, Thursday, December 5.

The club plans to move from its exiting home at Griffin Park and to a £55m 20,000-seater stadium as well as 12 tower blocks ranging from seven to 17 storeys with 910 flats in order to pay for it.

A Hounslow Council spokesman said: “Two of the councillors concerned live extremely close to the club’s existing Griffin Park stadium, while a third is a season-ticket holder at the club.

“There are no issues in respect of timing - this course of action simply ensures that the application will be decided by a committee with no personal or pecuniary interests, whose membership includes councillors who are very experienced at deciding planning applications.”

The application, which is recommended for approval, has attracted a lot of interest and Richmond Council has lodged and objection due to the visual impact and traffic worries.

The Kew Society also raised concerns the impact tower blocks would have over Kew Gardens Brentford FC supporter and blogger Billy Grant said: “My head knows that if Lionel Road goes though, this will be a huge step to Brentford becoming a bigger club.

“But there will be also a certain amount of sadness. Griffin Park may be old but it has real soul and an old school magic about it.

“Every fan I know feels it is vitally important that Brentford doesn't lose its soul in its quest for success.”

Brian Burgess, co director of Lionel Road Developments, said: “We have been determined to be transparent and to act as a good neighbour throughout the process, listening carefully to the views of local residents and providing them with accurate information on the Planning Application.

“Brentford FC is a family and community Club.

“We are proud to have been a good neighbour at Griffin Park for the past 100 years and we intend to continue in that vein for the next 100 years.”

The recommendation is for the council to approve the plans.

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