Eyebrows have been raised by the addition of a new gate in the grounds of a recreation field that seemingly appears to be leading nowhere.

But Maidstone council has confirmed it falls under the new Heather House development being built on the site off Bicknor Road, in Park Wood Maidstone.

According to the council, it was installed by the developer on Friday (July 26) to be the “main vehicle access point for grounds vehicles, machinery, and equipment.”

It also explained it is part of further work yet to be completed.

Residents were first stumped by its sudden appearance and took to social media to discuss it.

Dom North said: “Kind of defeats the object considering you can literally get around either side.”

Kelly Slythe said: “Clearly a decorative feature as it has no effectiveness.”

Sharon Chapman said: “It makes no sense; the placement is wrong.”

The building of the new Heather House social hub started in January as the old facility, that previously housed Maidstone Boxing Club, was torn down.

The plans were first approved in April 2023 and will include a sports hall, kitchen, storage, bar, and social lounge.

It will also have four changing rooms and facilities for toilets, showers, and disabled access.

The council previously confirmed it would be completed by next February, a date that was pushed back from November.

The plans were originally criticised by councillors, who said its main goal was focused on sport rather than the local residents.

The original building was forced to close in 2017 when its condition was deemed too dangerous.

It did later reopen however, with emergency repairs made following public outrage - including an 800-signature petition.

But it was later decided the cheaper option was to demolish and rebuild the structure.

Maidstone council allocated £956,420 of its Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to help fund the construction and secured a £100,000 grant from the government’s Land Release Funding Scheme.