Decision
Analysis
outcome: The Cabinet Member for Community Services approved the application to the Football Foundation and delegated authority to sign the final agreement to the Director of Street Scene, Leisure and Technical Services.
summary: The decision involves progressing a grant funding application to the Football Foundation for the provision of a full-size all-weather pitch at Tonbridge Farm Sportsground.
topline: The Cabinet Member for Community Services has decided to progress a grant funding application for a full-size all-weather pitch at Tonbridge Farm Sportsground.
reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves potential restrictions on the use of the facility and associated land for 21 years, with financial implications if the agreement is breached or terminated.
affected_stakeholders: ["Tonbridge Farm Sportsground", "Kent Football Association", "Football Foundation", "Tonbridge and Malling Leisure Trust", "Tonbridge Junior Football Club"]
contentiousness_score: 5
political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.
URL: https://democracy.tmbc.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2049
Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Community Services
Outcome:
Is Key Decision?: No
Is Callable In?: Yes
Purpose:
Content: (Report of Director of Street Scene, Leisure and Technical Services) The report updated Members on the Capital Plan project to provide a full-size all-weather pitch at Tonbridge Farm Sportsground and sought approval to progress a grant funding application to the Football Foundation. The project responded to identified demand for additional 3G pitch provision, with the Council’s Playing Pitch Strategy indicating a shortfall of four 11x11 3G pitches. Early engagement with the Kent Football Association, Football Foundation, Tonbridge and Malling Leisure Trust and Tonbridge Junior Football Club had been positive, and Tonbridge Junior Football Club had confirmed support as the proposed resident club. The Council had secured £378,000 towards the project, with the total scheme cost estimated at around £1 million. Previous Football Foundation grants had supported similar schemes at approximately 67% of the cost. However, the proposed funding agreement would place restrictions on the use of the facility and associated land for 21 years, with potential clawback and financial implications if the agreement was breached or terminated. Following consideration by the Communities and Environment Scrutiny Select Committee, the Cabinet Member for Community Services resolved that: (1) an application is made to the Football Foundation for the provision of a full-sized all-weather pitch facility, with a demarcation that limits the restricted land to the smallest area possible, via a clarified red line plan; (2) a proposed form of wording on restrictions that would be acceptable to the Council be drawn up and submitted alongside the standard application; and (3) Legal and Property Services continue to be involved in reviewing the final agreement and delegated authority to sign the final agreement be made to the Director of Street Scene, Leisure and Technical Services in liaison with the Cabinet Member for Community Services.
Date of Decision: July 29, 2026