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Ashford United FC plans to transform Homelands Stadium in Kingsnorth

A Kent football club has revealed ambitious plans to transform its stadium.

Bosses at Ashford United have applied for planning permission to revamp part of Homelands Stadium in Kingsnorth.

Fans will be able to watch matches from inside the updated clubhouse
Fans will be able to watch matches from inside the updated clubhouse

The application submitted to Ashford Borough Council looks to extend and refurbish the clubhouse and build a new changing facilities block.

It also seeks to replace the current artificial 3G pitch, which is at the end of its expected lifespan, and construct an additional one for training.

Bosses say the scheme is designed to "meet the current and growing needs of the club and the 20-plus teams that regularly use the site".

They say it will also provide the facilities required "to allow the club to meet ground requirements for promotion to higher football leagues".

The current clubhouse includes changing facilities for home and away teams and match officials, physio rooms, spectator toilet facilities, offices, function rooms, bars, kitchen facilities and storage.

How the stadium currently looks
How the stadium currently looks
Bosses have submitted plans to Ashford Borough Council
Bosses have submitted plans to Ashford Borough Council
The plans aim to "meet the growing needs of the club"
The plans aim to "meet the growing needs of the club"

The proposed extension will wrap around the outside of the current building and transform the interior, giving a new look to the stadium both outside and inside.

It will include a new supporters' area, including a bar and restaurant with views over the new pitch – allowing spectators to watch matches from inside if they wish.

The pitch will also be replaced and enlarged slightly to fall into FIFA 3G regulations.

A grass training field next to the main pitch, which is not currently in use due to the "unsafe, uneven surface," will be transformed into a 3G training pitch.

It is hoped the plans will allow the club to cater for different spectators' needs, and make Homelands an "accessible, inclusive and sustainable" stadium.

The current artificial 3G pitch is set to be replaced. Picture: Barry Goodwin
The current artificial 3G pitch is set to be replaced. Picture: Barry Goodwin
An artist's impression of the proposed new clubhouse
An artist's impression of the proposed new clubhouse
How the main stand currently looks. Picture: Ian Scammell
How the main stand currently looks. Picture: Ian Scammell

Earlier this year, permission was granted to build 10 start-up business units and revamp a separate part of the stadium.

In the past decade about £750,000 has been spent on improving the site, which is also home to Kennington FC and provides playing facilities for other community sides.

In August, the Nuts and Bolts - which play in the Isthmian South East league - were forced to postpone a game against Sevenoaks after bosses weren't able to get their 3G pitch certified in time.

But owner Don Crosbie spent £6,000 getting the surface up to scratch and the efforts paid off when it passed a retest.

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