3G Multi-Sports Pitch
3G Multi-SportsPitch
Introduction
Staplehurst Parish Council, Maidstone Borough Council, Kent FA, local sports clubs and the Football Foundation are working together to try and deliver a community 3G Multi-Sportspitch at the Jubilee Field, Staplehurst.
We have set up a working group, consisting off Cllr Riordan, Cllr Mclaughlin, Cllr Arger, Cllr Sharp, Jeff Davis (Kent FA) and Mike Evans (MBC)
You can see the 3G Multi-Sports pitch working group Terms of Reference and link to minutes
Link Terms of Reference
Link to minutes
Why do we need a 3G Multi-Sports pitch?
The current grass pitches are often waterlogged and unplayable
In recent years, an average of 3 months of play are cancelled at the Jubilee Field due to the state of the grass pitches some home games need to be played “away” at either Mote Park, South Park, YMCA. This means increased milage of the Staplehurst teams – on average about 16 – 18 miles return trip to play a “home game”
If we had a 3G Multi-Sport pitch they would have been able to play their home matches at Jubilee Field when they were arranged.
Community engaging and users?
We consulted the public in 2023 by
- Providing Hard copies of information in the Library and Parish Office
- Meeting with Local Clubs / groups
- Promotional stall at local events such as Family Funday, Skate Jam
- Public meeting
- Questionnaire in autumn 2023 Village Update – to every household
The consultation helped shape the project: free sessions, community groups events etc see summary of results below
Link to Consultation summary report
In addition, the Planning application 24/502740/FULL allowed for formal “planning consultation” as part of the planning process.
Why has it taken so long
Staplehurst Parish Council submitted the planning application 24/502740 in July 2024, it has been with Maidstone Borough Council all this time – we answered some queries in November 2024 regarding car parking and have been waiting ever since.
We understand that the planning application will be determined soon. (August 2025)
What happens next?
If the 3G Multi-Sports pitch planning application is approved several key issues will need to be considered
- Final cost
The project costs will have increased – primarily due to the delay caused by planning and additional car parking.
- Funding
Once we know the final cost we will clarify the funding of the project, or not.
C) Management of the 3G Multi-Sport pitch
Once planning permission as approved we will inform the three companies shortlisted to manage the site and they will submit tenders to manage the Jubilee Field.
Decision making
The Council will need to consider;
Final Cost and Funding – How much and how do we fund the capital build, or not.
Who to appoint to Manage the site, how much and can we afford it, or not
If planning permission is not granted the Council will need to decide what happens next.
Timescales
Subject to planning approval and final decisions, the indicative timetable is
- Council Decision – Autumn / Winter 2025
- Construction – Winter / Spring 2026
- Opening - Spring / Summer 2026
Below is some further information
Further background information is available on request.
You can email in further questions to clerk@staplehurst-pc.gov.uk and we will do our best to answer them and add them to the Frequently Asked Questions.
If you have any queries please contact 01580 891761 or email Clerk@staplehurst-pc.gov.uk