Hendon FC's stadium will soon be bulldozed after the Lands Tribunal lifted a covenant which had prevented the site's redevelopment.

The government agency was due to hold a hearing on the matter this month, but on Tuesday - much to the surprise of the plan's opponents - it issued a copy of an order dated September 18 overturning the 80-year-old agreement. The covenant, a legally binding document, had stipulated that the site in Claremont Road, Cricklewood, should always be used for recreational purposes.

The order paves the way for the land to be used to build flats, a car park and a home for the elderly.

The Lands Tribunal claims the final order was drawn up after Barnet Council and the group of residents objecting to the plans, came to an agreement, but this is strongly denied by the residents' main representative.

Dorothy Badrick, of the UK Open Space Foundation, said: "Whilst we had been informed that the Lands Tribunal had come to the decision that we could not be objectors in July, we were all of the opinion that there would be a hearing.

"We categorically deny the suggestion that we have come to an agreement and we are actively investigating how this has come about. It is grossly ill-mannered for us not to be informed."

Last year, property developer KingsOak agreed to buy the site for around £20million with the intention of building three five-storey blocks of flats, a 256-space car park and a care home for the elderly, once the covenant was lifted.

A council spokesman said: "The next step is to take a report to the cabinet resources meeting on November 28, updating members with this development and seeking permission to enter negotiations for a contract with the prospective buyer."

The £15m profit from the sale will be shared between the freeholder, Barnet Council, and the leaseholder, the Arbiter Group, with around £400,000 to be spent on an upgrade of nearby Clitterhouse Playing Fields.

Hendon FC will be evicted from the stadium where they have played since 1928 and could become homeless. Club secretary Graham Etchell said: "Until it is made clear when we have to leave, it will be very difficult for everyone."

The council spokesman said legal advice had been taken regarding a second covenant which dates back to 1927, between Middlesex County Council and Hendon Urban Council. Barnet Council believes this no longer applies because it has succeeded both of these former authorities.

But Ms Badrick denies this is the case and said the covenant was restrictive, and would also have to be lifted by the Lands Tribunal before any building work could begin.