Opposing Watford FC’s move to Bushey

"Club doesn't belong in Bushey", say Lib Dems.

Bushey's Lib Dem councillors have pledged to fight tooth and nail against plans by Watford FC to build a new stadium on Bushey Hall Golf Course.

The football club, and course owners Veladail Leisure, are bidding to add the site to the borough's commercial development plan - and propose to build a stadium, arena, cinema and hotel in the heart of Bushey's greenbelt.

To help block the scheme, Lib Dem Cllr Paul Richards has:

• Asked council officers to throw out the bid, as it fails to meet planning criteria.
• Repeatedly told the club and course to abandon the plan, reminding them of residents' fierce opposition.
• Last year, secured a Tree Preservation Order for the golf course, to help prevent development.
• Founded 'Bushey Against Watford Stadium', a cross-party community campaign group.

Paul said: "We have every chance of stopping the stadium if we work together as a community.

"As part of this, I written to Hertsmere council officers, asking them to reject a bid by Watford FC and Veladail Leisure to add Bushey Hall Golf Course to the borough's Local Plan and redevelop the site as a stadium. I've pointed out that the bid does not meet the official criteria for new employment sites.

"This is the Watford FC proposal would not primarily be an employment site, which under the relevant rules it needs to be. It would be classified as D2, not B1-8, which are the only ones allowed.

"If my point is accepted by the council, the stadium can't go on the Local Plan.

"Either way, my colleagues and I will continue to do all in our power to block this scheme".