A land promoter is asking villagers for their views on development plans which include new sports facilities.

Gladman wants planning permission for 260 homes off Lenham Road on the north-eastern edge of Headcorn, but says the deal will also bring new sports pitches and changing rooms for a range of uses for the whole community.

The initial vision is for 260 energy-efficient homes, 40% of which would be affordable, plus 15 acres set aside for community use.

Overall, two-thirds of the site would be classed as green space, with meadows and orchards, as well as play areas, all of which would be open for both new and existing residents to enjoy.

The Cheshire-based planning firm is in discussions with Headcorn Football Club and other Headcorn-based sports clubs to establish a Headcorn Community Sports and Leisure Trust to run the facilities.

It’s intended the land would be transferred to the trust, which would look to make a multi-sport facility and would then manage the facilities for the community day-to-day.

Matthew Botley has been chairman of Headcorn FC for two years. He said: "We believe this initiative has the potential to bring much-needed improvements to Headcorn’s sports and community leisure facilities.

“The trouble is the village has grown… but our facilities haven’t grown with it...”

“It’s a valuable opportunity to make a positive difference for local residents and we’re eager to collaborate with all stakeholders to help make it a reality.

“Last year, we had some truly engaging conversations with the community about their aspirations for the future of sport in the village.

“While we are a football club, our vision is to create a welcoming space for a range of sports and community groups.

“We remain committed to working alongside other local clubs to develop a facility that Headcorn can be proud of.”

Mr Botley said the club had 10 youth teams and two ladies’ teams but only one pitch in the village to play on, which meant many teams had to play in neighbouring parishes.

In addition, the clay-based pitch often became water-logged in the winter, making games difficult.

Headcorn FC, established in 1886, is said to be the oldest football club in Kent and one of the oldest in the country.

Mr Botley said: “The trouble is the village has grown since then but our facilities haven’t grown with it.”

Gladman is hosting a public consultation event today (Wednesday, November 5).

Currently, Maidstone council faces a housing shortage and cannot demonstrate it has a five-year housing land supply, meaning it has to apply a “tilted balance” to all applications in favour of development.

“Our plans would bring real housing choice for local people and provide more than 15 acres of land for the sporting and community spaces the area so badly needs…”

Gladman said the proposals represented “a natural extension to the village” helping to meet the need for homes while providing new green, open spaces and plenty of land for new sports and community facilities.

Richard Naylor, planning manager at Gladman, said: “There’s a real shortage of both housing and community facilities in Headcorn and our proposals are designed to fill those gaps and meet local demand.

“Our plans would bring real housing choice for local people and provide more than 15 acres of land for the sporting and community spaces the area so badly needs.

“We want to ensure that we leave a lasting legacy in Headcorn that benefits the whole community. That’s why we’re working closely with Headcorn Football Club, who are working with other Headcorn-based sports clubs, to ensure that these community assets are delivered in the right way.

“We’re looking forward to sharing our vision with local people throughout the consultation and hearing their thoughts on the proposals.

“This is a great chance to help shape our plans, so we encourage everyone to have their say.”

Villagers can attend a drop-in event today (Wednesday, November 5), between 5pm and 8pm, at Headcorn Village Hall, in Church Lane, where they can find out more about the plans.

The consultation closes on Monday, November 24, after which Gladman will consider all feedback before submitting a planning application later this year.

Further information and an online questionnaire can be found here.

Or call 0800 689 1095.