Sevenoaks Town granted planning permission to enhance faciliities at Greatness Park

SEVENOAKS TOWN have been granted planning permission for a new clubhouse, covered stands, changing room facilities and associated landscaping works at Greatness Park.

As a FA England Accredited club in the heart of the local community, the Isthmian League South East Division club offers football provision to over 60 teams including 54 youth teams including three girls’ teams, seven adult teams including a women’s team and four disability teams.

Alongside this, the club runs a Wildcats Centre and popular community scheme for children aged four to eight-year-olds who wish to try football for the first time.

The plans for the future will enable The Oaks to enhance the playing experience for those currently enjoying the game at Greatness Park but importantly it means the club can explore new opportunities to offer even more to those across the community with a first-class facility that provides a base for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy.

“After lots of hard work and endeavour, I am thrilled for everyone connected to the football club to reveal this brilliant news," said chairman Paul Lansdale.

“Greatness Park welcomes hundreds of participants and visitors each week and our new clubhouse will be a catalyst for us to further progress as a club and build upon what we offer to our players, coaches, parents, volunteers and local community.

“We wouldn’t have been able to get this far without the help and support of many people and now we can look ahead to making our plans a reality which is incredibly exciting.

“We are looking forward to working very closely with our landlords and our key stakeholders and partners. The future looks incredibly bright especially after two very tough seasons and we are all excited to push forwards and make Greatness Park even greater.”

Councillor Peter Fleming added: “Sevenoaks Town FC is truly one of the towns sporting giants, however it is the sheer scale of the club, its unstinting commitment to the community and provision of access to football for all that sometimes goes under the radar, these amazing facilities will allow this outstanding work to continue for many generations to come.”

Laura Trott, MP for Sevenoaks and Swanley, added: “This is absolutely fantastic news, and I applaud the whole team at Sevenoaks FC for all their hard work, and the support shown by Sevenoaks Town Council.

“The last 18 months have been so difficult for sports clubs, but the dedication from Paul and his team has been remarkable throughout.

“I was struck during my visit that they have never lost sight of what matters most - the future of the club and its community.”

Sevenoaks Oaks Sports Council Chair Edward Oatley believes the news marks a positive new chapter for sport in the area.

“This is such brilliant news and will help put Sevenoaks even more on the British map on the contribution that the town makes to the development of youth sport from five to 18.

“We are without doubt role models for the whole of GB in the way that qualified volunteer coaches in all sports dedicate themselves to improve the wellbeing and development of the self-confidence of the young and help them understand that teamwork is the essence of success in all walks of life.”

Lee Suter, Kent FA Senior Football Development Officer, echoed the sentiments of those involved with the planning process so far, saying: “This is fantastic news for everyone involved with Sevenoaks Football Club who positively support so many using the power of football.

“Paul Lansdale and his army of volunteers work tirelessly to improve the lives of others and that of the Sevenoaks area, and this milestone will allow them to develop a facility at the heart of one of Kent’s largest and well thought of football clubs”.

Visit Sevenoaks Town’s website: www.sevenoakstownfc.co.uk