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 Lub 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. At present we are waiting for further information from BAE SYSTEMS Estates. Once we have this it will be put on line.

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.