Leeds & Broomfield Cricket Club have been granted planning permission to build a new pavilion.

It’s an exciting development for the club, who are based at Burberry Lane, in the grounds of Leeds Castle.

Club president, former Kent and England bowler Martin McCague, said: “This is a momentous first step for the club as LBCC look to enhance their facilities at the ground, providing a quality space for the club to be proud of.

“The ambition is to build new pavilion which will give the club and community a more modern and accessible facility and includes a clubhouse and changing facilities for women and girls.

“The club has grown exponentially over the past decade and our recent promotion puts us in a division with many former Kent Premier League sides.

“This new pavilion will help secure the future of the club, to ensure we have the facilities to compete at this level for years to come.”

Planning permission coincides with the adoption of the club’s new mission statement as LBCC reposition themselves with the ambition of cementing a place as one of the top 20 cricket clubs in Kent.

The club hope to continue to provide a safe, valued and fun environment to enjoy the sport.

Chairman Chris Davis said: “We’re absolutely delighted to receive the news that our planning application has been accepted.

“I want to thank the committee and our partners for their support and hard work in getting this over the line.

“Our next challenge is to identify opportunities to support the club in raising funding to pay for the build of the facility.

“We’re looking forward to reaching out to the business community in Kent to join us on our journey in this landmark project.”

Leeds & Broomfield are one of the oldest clubs in the world, dating back to 1762.

They have achieved eight promotions in 14 years to reach the Kent League Championship.

Last season they were runners-up in the final of the National Village Cup at Lord’s.