Plans for a multi-storey car park at Barnet Football Club were refused due to concerns around its scale and design, as well as the impact on traffic in the surrounding area.

Harrow Council’s planning committee resoundingly refused proposals for outline planning permission for a five-storey car park at The Hive, in Camrose Avenue, Edgware.

Planning officers noted a lack of information attached to the application, including around the building’s character and appearance.

Several councillors on the planning committee also took issue with the potential impact of increased traffic on surrounding roads.

Cllr Sachin Shah, who represents Queensbury ward, said this project would “not solve these problems” and he was happy to speak with developers about how to address this.

Planning committee Conservative spokesman Cllr Marilyn Ashton said she was “flabbergasted” it was even being discussed given the council’s desire to discourage people from driving.

They were supported by Headstone North ward councillor Christopher Baxter who said introducing a large car park seemed illogical given the areas strong public transport links.

But Sean McGrath, representing the applicant Football First, said officers “can’t see the wood for the trees” on this application.

He said their concerns covered “minor issues that can be dealt with by conditions” and pointed out that the scheme would be built on an existing car park.

He noted there are plans to provide just 26 more spaces than are already available and that having a multi-storey would encourage people to park in one place as opposed to on surrounding roads.

“This is the sort of scheme that should be supported,” he said.

“There is no harm, there are only benefits. This will be good for nearby residents, good for The Hive and good for the borough.”

However, councillors were not convinced – they all voted to refuse the application, bar planning committee chairman Cllr Keith Ferry, who called the item in, who abstained.