The sound of unbridled joy echoed around Hendon Town Hall last night as Barnet councillors approved Barnet FC's application for a new stadium to the south of Underhill.

Bees chairman Tony Kleanthous leapt from his seat and hugged supporters as councillors voted 11 votes to seven in favour of the £12million development despite calls from Conservative councillor Brian Coleman asking for the application to be referred to a full council meeting.

Speaking after the meeting, an emotional Mr Kleanthous said: "I thought I had lost it listening to them. I think it is wonderful that the majority of councillors had the good sense to see after seven years of the club trying to relocate that we had some support.

"But it is just the first hurdle and the weeks ahead are crucial. It is going to be a difficult month."

Earlier in the evening, councillors heard Robert Verrill and Alan Jenner of Barnet Residents Against Second Stadium (BRASS) who highlighted the loss of the Green Belt and problems of parking and access as their principal objections.

Mr Kleanthous, who was subjected to a 30-minute grilling from councillors following a five minute speech, reiterated that the if the club was not granted a new home it would be very difficult for it to continue in the borough.

BRASS members were understandably disappointed with the councillors' decision. Alan Jenner, chairman of the group, said: "We are disappointed with the decision but not surprised. We feel the council should support the football club but we feel that this support is contrary to the principles that they aspire to, that is working in partnership with local people.

"As an organisation we have no gripes with Barnet FC or Tony Kleanthous personally. If the stadium goes through I have lost out because the environment I wish to bring my children up in will be lost forever and if it doesn't go through I lose my football club."

The planning application will now be passed onto the Greater London Authority and the Government Office for London, who have 14 and 21 days respectively to lodge objections.