I know what you mean Captain it’s not the most a aphetically pleasing proposal, I really liked the uniqueness of it though. Had it gone ahead it would have been a real on one off. Most new stadium all look the same now days just the scale varies. They all seem to be the Emirates but on different scales. I guess beauty in in the eye of the beholder… a lot of people might say my Missus looks ghastly…
Sadly, TMHAF, we can't help with your own personal traumas! And I hope for your sake that she doesn't ever read these boards.
It looks as though H&F have added an addtional date and at long last we are on the Agenda. Mark your diary 26th July 2012. http://democracy.lbhf.gov.uk/documents/s20918/Final%20agenda%20for%2026th%20July%202012.pdf
Blimey, that's a bit of a read but interesting. Looks very promising really given that there is a broad acceptance of the scheme and the council seem minded to approve it bearing in mind it ticks most of the right boxes in terms of supporting various Govt policies. The objections from residents made me smile though. Especially the one about the new stand posing a danger to low flying aircraft. Just how many tiers are there going to be on it?
Hopefully the council should be on our side and try to push it through. As other clubs look to expand I think we need to add the capacity of the cottage to consolidate our position in the Premier League let alone move forward. With Chelsea looking to build a new stadium probably out site the borough I think Hammersmith and Fulham will be keen to keep as at Craven Cottage. It its turned down the club may talk about relocating again which will most likely be outside the borough (which I personally would be against). If that happened local trade would suffer as 25k fans spend a fair amount of cash in local newsagents, pubs restaurants etc. I know Hammersmith & Fulham council will want to keep us and Chelsea in the borough because of the money fans spend on match days. I can understand the concern of local residents but if you live opposite a football stadium then you take have to put up with the crowds on match days – it’s a fact of life. It’s like living near Heathrow (as I do) and complaining about the aircraft noise. You know when you purchase a property there you are going to have to tolerate it as also be aware that it has the potential to increase.
If this proposal goes through what an added bonus to the local residents,they can walk from PB to HB, and back on the Surrey side,what a delightful stroll/cycle.
Hopefully we get good news tonight! I've not seen any objection that was particularly valid or served a wider range of interests than the proposed extension would. I suspect it's being held up because the area has a number of recenty retired moral-warriors with little else to do than sit on the now vacant beds of their long departed children and rabble rouse as they see fit (probably unfair but that's how I imagine the council- much like the 'local residents society' where I work). Now that the park is sorted and can handle a larger flow of people everything is set.
The application was held up because of the backlog in numbers - in fact H&F are holding 3 Planning Committee meetings this month rather than the normal 1. This evening has been specially convened and it's what the Council call 'a full sitting of members'. I'm not entirely sure if your comments refer to the Council or the local residents silkship, but if it's the Council nothing could be further from the truth. They are a very politically motivated bunch and that is my only concern about tonight's decision - they can, and indeed have, over-rule(d) a recommendation by the Chief Planning Officer. Also, as I understand it, the Council abolished the 'appeal' system two years ago. That said, there has to be loads of confidence. Some 600 comments were made about the Application; 455 (of whom said they were FFC fans) were in favour and 145 against (most of which had the ridiculous reasons why it should be rejected). Also the Club have worked hard behind the scenes with the most likely objectors and 'crossed palms' on the way; £600,000pa for the upkeep of Bishop's Park, £20,000 to buy a boat to tug the sailing lot's 'yachts' to a new landing berth, £40,000 on Boris bikes etc. Anyway, let's hope it's all right on the night.
I think you may have confused me with Surly in the post above! I retract my original comments, which were entirely unobjective and based on my own experiences with a residents committee- who are a gaggle of (insert rude word).
You'll give me a bad name, silkship! That said, my experience of locals councils is not far different back from the days my Dad was a local councillor. Never come across a more irksome group of self-important twits in my life... although that was back home in Sussex rather than the spiritual home by the river.
Planning Permission has been granted for the new riverside stand. After 3 hours and a lot of puff and wind, it's game on. Yessssssssss
Here is the Club's official statement (oh, and the H&F Council Leader's also) - http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/July/StadiumAnnouncement.aspx
Great news. I feel the gelling together of the new stand, its riverside walk,and the much loved traditional aspects of the ground, will make this a unique stadium. Lets hope the dissenters dont lodge a prolonged appeal, on some obscure medieval law.
H&F abolished the right of appeal a couple of years ago rosc. The only recourse open to the 'dissenters' is a Judicial Review. To succeed in that however there would have to have been a procedural error or a miscarriage of justice. Can't see them risking the cost of going that route after tonight.
Thanks cottager for the info. Having followed Fulham from the wet and windy terraces,many years ago,i only hope I dont snuff it before I can enjoy the delights of this riverside addition.
