A village recreation ground is set to be revamped with a new games area, cafe and improved facilities.

A planning application from Stone Parish Council outlines a raft of improvements earmarked for Stone Recreation Ground, where buildings have suffered from vandalism and elements of the park have fallen into disrepair.

A design and access statement said an expected population increase was likely to lead to increased demand and the need to improve the public space.

It said a study had found "existing facilities were insufficient in many respects," adding: "This included the standard of the changing facilities which are likely to be deemed unsuitable by the Kent Football Association, in turn causing a loss of important and reliable revenue for SPC. An upgrade of the ancillary facilities is therefore urgently required. Security is another issue. At present the site is subject to vandalism and thefts, with a particular focus on the toilets, changing facilities and the grounds team’s store and workshop.

"There is a further issue in respect of the safety of the Site’s users, with poor interaction between pedestrians and vehicles accessing the site, particularly in front of the grounds team’s workshop.

"The standard of the hard surfacing is also poor, leading to potential trip hazards and a poor experience for users, particularly the elderly, disabled and the young.

"Finally, the groundskeepers house has become a maintenance liability for SPC. The occupants have been made aware of the Parish’s plans."

Planned improvements include a new public toilet block, sports clubhouse, and a new mixed-use building containing a cafe, community area and exhibition space.

The multi-use games area will be relocated and there will also be improvements to the access road from London Road, more parking spaces and cycle storage.

Finally a new grounds depot and workshop will be built and the existing toilets, workshop and groundskeeper's house will be demolished.

To view more public notices, visit www.kentonline.co.uk/advertise/public-notices.

Read more: all the latest news from Dartford.