Kentish Express Ashford & District
Recreation ground could get a new sports pavilion
Plans for a new community centre in Kennington have been submitted to Ashford Borough Council (ABC).
Permission is being sought to demolish the building on Spearpoint Recreation Ground, off The Ridge, and build a sports pavilion.
If approved the building will contain six changing rooms, an office, storage, a kitchen and bar area.
The new site will be based south east of the existing pavilion and will be oriented toward the pitches.
The application would also see an additional 23 parking spaces created, and the centre would be available to hire for functions and for community groups.
The existing pavilion, which is owned by ABC, is used by several sports clubs, including Albion Football Club and Givauden Football Club but has fallen into disrepair and suffered from vandalism.
Cllr Phil Sims (Con), ward member for Kennington, said: “The existing pavilion building has sadly deteriorated to a point where it is inadequate for its purpose, and a blot on the neighbourhood.
“The Ridge Recreation Ground is a very well used facility, and a new sports pavilion would I feel be welcomed by the football, rugby, and tennis players, and attract other new users to the Ground.
“However the proximity of the building to residents on the Ridge, means that their opinions should be clearly taken into account, as they will be affected by the new building and its users.”
The project, submitted by ABC, will be funded by a combination of council and Football Foundation money.
The proposal, however, has attracted objections from neighbours.
Helen Holman, of The Ridge, said; “My husband and I are concerned that the application for a premises licence at the new sports pavilion will vastly increase the noise and traffic congestion in what is a quiet, residential street, especially if beer festivals are allowed to take place on the playing fields.
“Not only do we feel that we will be disturbed late at night by [possibly drunken] revellers, but also that visitors to any such festivals and other events at the sports pavilion will use The Ridge to park their cars.”
The application is due to be put before the planning committee in October and if approved, work could begin in December.
What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford, TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk