Locals are appealing against the planning decision, backed by Brian Coleman (Tory with half a dozen jobs on the GLA, Met Police, etc). They fought very hard against Barnet moving there and seem to be doing so again now, although for some strange reason the local council is far more supportive of the rugger buggers so they'll probably still get it eventually.

But, there is zero RL in that area. From Hemel Hempstead there is nothing until you hit Osterley.

whats happened with Brentford's new stadium plans?

Collapsed in a heap, as was always likely to happen. The developer pulled out because there isn't enough space there for a 20,000 seat stadium (although god knows why Brentford think they'll ever need that!) and the surrounding developments needed to pay for it all. And the Bees don't have the money to go it alone.