Wrong result for hockey club as homes plan put off

Dozens of hockey club members attended a council meeting as the fate of their ground was decided.

But for the 60 or so supporters who packed into the council chamber last week, the planning committee’s decision to defer the scheme proved an anti-climax, following a long wait for the vote.

It is the second time Ashford Hockey Club’s plan to build nine homes on its land has been deferred, following an identical decision two months ago.

The main controversies surround the relocation of two football pitches to a field opposite the club entrance in Ball Lane - which falls within flood zones - and the use of the homes to raise cash for the club.

Mark Street - a resident of Ball Lane, where the houses will be built - kicked off the discussion last Wednesday.

He said: “I can’t help but notice the number of hockey club members here this evening, although I note that none of the Kennington Juniors’ 700 football players who will be forced to play on a pitch in a flood zone - appear to be here this evening.

“Funding is key to this application. If it were to be decided on planning considerations alone, it would be a straight ‘no’. In this case the applicant is looking to raise funds to pay for repairs to its pitch as per the business plan submitted with the application.

“As a matter of public policy, “enabling development” should not provide an easy way out for owners of land to raise cash quick when there are many alternate ways to obtain the finances.”

He highlighted the £270,000 raised by Kennington Cubs for a new scout hut, saying “it takes is focus, hard work and determination”.

Mr Street, whose daughter plays for the hockey club, also noted the land’s lease has a 12-month break clause, which could create insecurity.

Kennington Cllr Nathan Iliffe (Con) welcomed changes that would improve the safety of players crossing the busy road to the field but had concerns over the flood risk and increased traffic.

He also conveyed residents’ feelings that it’s a “Trojan horse”, with dead-end access roads threatening further development.

Kate Laurie, a club member for 20 years, defended the application, saying: “We support and encourage the kids to be the best they can be. This isn’t a Trojan horse as there are no plans to build more houses at Ball Lane in the future. In any event it would require a separate planning application. We desperately need your support to secure the club’s future.”

After her speech - which highlighted the scheme-funded women’s changing room - the hockey club members cheered.

Cllr Chris Waters (Con) said: “There’s no guaranteed use of the pitches given the 12 months notice. The fact is it’s in a high risk area for flooding and trying to play on a waterlogged pitch isn’t fun at all.

“I think the logic of moving the pitches is bizarre. We recognise previous examples where others have worked incredibly hard to raise thousands and I can’t understand why such a vibrant club hasn’t managed to do the same.”

Cllr Graham Galpin (Con) mentioned the competitive and long-winded nature of gaining lottery funding before tabling a motion to permit - a move seconded by Cllr Brad Bradford (Con).

But Cllr Paul Clokie (Con) called for a deferral after saying: “This is a very difficult subject that has emotional ties to it but we have to look at the planning details.I’m not convinced money can’t be raised in some other way.”

Despite motions to approve, refuse and defer, only the deferral had majority support, with the hockey club asked to explore solutions to the councillors’ concerns.

▪ What do you think about the hockey club plan? Write to kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk

A large number of Ashford Hockey Club members turned up at the planning committee meeting

Where the proposed development could go