Sutton Athletic given the green light to develop their Lower Road ground

SUTTON ATHLETIC have announced that they have received planning permission from Sevenoaks District Council to develop their Lower Road ground.

This means the Hextable-based club can now plan to install ground perimeter fencing, install 2 x 100 seated stands, 1 x 100 standing spectator stand, improve car parking and more importantly erect six floodlight pylons.

A club statement said: “Agreement was with a few conditions, of which the club can meet and the final vote was a massive 16 to 1 vote in favour of the complete development.

“Following the clubs application and a site visit and the club attendance at the planning committee meeting, plus the support received from the parish and ward councillors and local residents sealed the deal.

“The club can now prepare its application for grant aid from the Football Foundations, Football Stadia Improvement Fund.

“This is obviously a great and fantastic piece of news and achievement for Sutton Athletic FC and represents another major step forward for the club and league.”

James Collins’ side defeated Bridon Ropes 4-0 in Charlton this evening, helped along the way by Chris McGinty’s hat-trick.

The club are in fifth-place in the Kent Invicta League with 47 points – 23 points adrift of league leaders and champions-elect Hollands & Blair. Collins’ side have four league games remaining.

A statement from the League added: “Congratulations to John Ball and all the officers at Sutton Athletic who have worked hard to achieve this major step forward.”