In order to keep all members informed as to what stage the plans are at, we have listed below what has been carried out so far and what the expected next steps are.

Autumn 2005

With the Club struggling to remain self sufficient financially, it is decided to look at the possibility of raising money for the Club by selling the land to the East of Bells Lane. This is highlighted by the success of the Club at the Chelmsford site, on which work had just been completed leaving the Club with up to date facilities and the ability to successfully survive for years to come. Plans could include a gymnasium, a sports hal and the rebuilding of the squash courts as well as renovation of the swimming pool and other Club facilities.

June 2006

BAE SYSTEMS Property Services meet with the Management Committee of the Club to show some rough plans for the refurbishment of the Club and talk about ideas and what would be required to keep the Club going for the forseeable future.

October 2006

A copy of the outline plan is put up in the foyer of the Club and members are asked for their input during the membership renewals. The comments are then handed to BAE SYSTEMS Property Services who start to work on more detailed plans.

13th June 2007

BAE SYSTEMS Property Services hold two public consultations at the Club and at BAE SYSTEMS Rochester involving the company who are planning the redevelopments, Atisreal. Over 600 members and villagers attended the Consultation at the Club and questionnaires were handed out with more comments collected to use towards further plans. Plans show the moving of the football pitches to include two full size pitches on the top pitch and the possible moving of the bowls green adjacent to the cricket pitch.

24th September 2007

BAE SYSTEMS Property Services submitted outline planning permission to Medway Council to seek permission to build on the land to the East of Bells Lane with a view to selling the land.

23rd October 2007

Medway Council have registered the planning application and have given a decision date of 22nd January 2008. BAE SYSTEMS Property Services will soon be starting a 21 day public consultation to involve members and the local community in the planning.

2nd January 2008

Medway Council rejected the planning permission in its entirety.Further details and the minutes from the meeting are available from the link below. You will need acrobat reader to view some of the files, which is available, free, by clicking here.

Minutes of the Development Control Meeting - 2nd January 2008

February 2008

BAE SYSTEMS Property Services have organised a meeting with the development committee of Medway Council on April 30th to put to them the importance of the sale of the land for the future of the Club. with BAE SYSTEMS no longer funding the Club, there is a possibility that it may close without finanncial assitance, due to spiralling amenity costs and the problems caused by a 40 year old building.

April 2008

On 30th April, representatives from BAE SYSTEMS Rochester and BAE SYSTEMS Property Services held a meeting with Medway Council. The aim of the meeting was to explain why the sale of the land was necassary to enusre the future of the Club. Medway Council have announced that they will hold a meeting on Wednesday June 11th 2008 to make a decision on the proposals put forward at the meeting. If they are in agreement, BAE will resubmit plans in line with Council recommendations, if not, they will have until 2nd July 2008 to appeal against the decision in January.

July 2008

BAE SYSTEMS Property Services have lodged an appeal to the original decision to deny planning permission for the land to the east of Bells Lane. This appeal will be heard by 17th November 2008. In the meantime, BAE are working with Medway council to find alternative ways to keep the Club open should the appeal be unsuccessful.

August 2008

The Club closes for 3 1/2 weeks to allow the police to run an operation for the Club. The money that the Club receives means that it can stay open for the forthcoming year, instead of looking at the possibility of closing before Christmas 2008.

December 2008

As a result of several meetings between BAE SYSTEMS Property Services and Medway council, a revised application for planning permission was submitted in late December. This application will be heard and decided on by 20th March 2009.

For a full view of the plans submitted click here MC2008/2021

Unfortunately, we have not been given any further information than what is here at the moment. Once we have been updated by BAR SYSTEMS Property Services we will pass the information onto our members,

March 2009

With Medway Council and Sport England both pushing to refuse the planning application, the club sent out letters to members asking them to show their support for the plans and for the Club. Despite overwhelming support Medway Council and Sport England do not change their stance and BAE SYSTEMS Property Services withdraw the application and release this statement.

September 2009

After several meetings with Medway Council, it is clear that the plaaning permission required for the sale of the land will not be given. Medway Council state their reasons as the land being outside the boundary of the village and being public open space. BAE SYSTEMS Property Services decide that this avenue can no longer be pursued in the face of such adversity from the Council, despite making their point that the Club would not survive without the sale and that the local community would lose an important amenity.

Business plans are currently being drawn up to take the Club away from BAE SYSTEMS and run it as a separate business. An EGM will be held on Tuesday 3rd November from 7.00pm and all members are invited to attend.