Saracens rugby union team has received a boost in its bid to relocate to London's Copthall Stadium after Barnet Council planning officers recommended the scheme for approval.

The council's planning committee will decide the fate of the project on 2 February, which is expected to cost £18m and has the backing of two national governing bodies for sport.

A major overhaul of Copthall Stadium will include a refurbishment of existing facilities and the construction of new permanent ones, as well as the installation of temporary seating.

Saracens will play up to 16 matches per year on a new synthetic pitch at the venue, while the local community and athletics club will have use of the facilities at other times.

"The recommendation to approve our planning application by council officers is a very positive step forward," said Saracens chair Nigel Wray.

"We are not a normal developer. We plan to make Copthall our home. We are therefore committed to working closely with the local community and becoming a part of it."