EBBSFLEET: Football club wants to push ahead with new stadium plans

Brian Kilcullen believes a new stadium built on land which formed part of the old A2 would be good for Gravesend.

However, there has been opposition for the move as the greenbelt land has been earmarked for part of a proposed activity park, which would include a cafe, children’s area, BMX track, and horse and cycle paths.

But Mr Kilcullen believes there is room for both projects.

He said: "This is a great opportunity for all the residents of Gravesham and also Kent to have a facility that will bring many community benefits.

“We are proud of what we have done for the region over the last 10 years and all we are looking for is that the authorities open their minds to the possibilities that lay behind our project. We see it as a win-win situation for all."

If plans are successful the project could take around three years to build at a cost of between £7m and £8m.

Mr Kilcullen also believes the proposals fit in well with Gravesham Council services such as sports development and support for community projects and that it also fits in with KCC aims to back Kent businesses, create jobs and keep the economy working.

Recently, Gravesham Council leader Councillor Mike Snelling said the club’s announcement that its preferred site is on this part of land is premature.

Cllr Snelling said: “I am fully aware of and support the ambitions of the club for a new stadium and I have been engaged in meetings with the club and major landowners for the past two years to find them the sort of site they need in order to thrive, but this site on the A2 sandwich land is not appropriate.

“We are committed to the activity park and this stadium scheme runs counter to that, in addition to being very challenging as regards amenity issues for residents and our Green Belt policy.“

Mr Kilcullen is hoping to meet with KCC officials to discuss the proposal by the end of April.