EDGWARE Town Football Club's future hangs in the balance after developers were given the go-ahead to build flats on its White Lion ground.

The club faces eviction from the grounds on the Harrow side of High Street, Edgware, and it has no idea where it will end up.

The blow was dealed by Harrow Council's devlopment control committee's decision on Wednesday last week.

Discussions between councillors and planning officers centred around a "green stadium" to be built on the Prince Edward playing fields, off Camrose Avenue in Canons Park, in a deal between league side Barnet and Wealdstone FC.

It is proposed that Edgware could play there once their five-year lease with the landlords, Edgware Developers Ltd, ends.

The main stadium at the Prince Edward site will be Stones' home ground.

Edgware Town's club secretary, Paul Gregory, said he was devastated by the committee's decision.

He said: "The Prince Edward stadium is pie in the sky.

"There hasn't even been a planning application yet.

"They are proposing to play five teams at the green stadium as well as our three teams.

"It is impossible.

"Who will play on alternate Saturdays?

"There will be 800 extra cars: how are they going to get in and out?

"The residents will be up in arms."

The developers will make a one-off payment of £750,000 to the council for sports development in the borough and could go towards the "green" stadium which would be built up to Ryman League standards.

But Mr Gregory said: "Without our bar revenue we have no money.

"The clubhouse and function room keep the club afloat.

"Even if we do get to the stadium in Prince Edward playing fields we will not be able to keep going."

Edgware Developers Ltd made the same planning application to Harrow's former Labour administration in April.

It was rejected on that occasion as it contradicted the council's policy on developing green field sites.

Peter Brown, head of communications for the council, said: "The councillors who were on the development control committee in August are different to those who were on the committee when the application was considered earlier this year.

"The planning officers recommendations on both of these occasions was to accept the application.

"The funding received is to enable the council to support sports developments.

"The council and Barnet FC, its partner in the Prince Edward playing field proposal, would be happy to talk to Edgware Town FC and discuss future ground requirements."

sanand@london.newsquest.co.uk