Dartford Residents Divided Again Over Fleetdown FC Pitch Plan

A football club wants to fence off part of a park in Dartford at Heath Lane Open Space. They first suggested this back in 2022, citing the need to protect their field from vandals and dog waste. Locals, however, worried about losing access to the park.

The council rejected the initial fencing plan because it would have limited public access too much. Now, the club is trying again with a new plan, stating it will help many groups, including local schools, and that everyone can share the space.

This new plan includes a special artificial grass pitch, approximately 106m x 70m in size, along with fences, lights, and better drainage. Two new seating areas for spectators are also planned, and the pitch would sit south of the existing fields.

A noise study indicates the changes would be somewhat noticeable but not cause harm. The fences would stand 4.5 meters tall, and the floodlights would be 16 meters high. The club argues this improves sports access for the community.

The club states the project provides social and cultural benefits, supporting the football club and enhancing the overall local area and seeks to increase participation in sports for health improvement.

The club emphasizes the field isn’t just for them, and local schools and groups can also utilize it. They believe schools need outdoor space, especially now, and kids can play in any weather, boosting mental and physical health.

The club says they thoroughly researched the project, considering ecology, lights, and noise. They also believe the new design allows for sharing, enabling people to still walk dogs and do other activities there.

While the club wants only to fence the pitch to protect it from damage and bad behavior, some residents still have concerns. One person said the club is trying to “steal” the field and should just share it.

Another local said fencing the field harms the community, as people often walk and do activities there, and losing green space would be wrong. The field would be closed part of the year, and some people raised concerns about the floodlights.

Residents also questioned the plan’s impact on wildlife, noting the current fields are used for exercise and dog walks and are home to various animals whose habitats would be destroyed. Despite these concerns, the plans do have local supporters.

One school worker says the new pitch benefits students, allowing their school team to use it and support school sports. The club feels many kids can benefit from the new field, helping even more children.