A non-league football club is seeking permission to upgrade its ground in hope of rising up the divisions.

The plans to improve the home of Larkfield and New Hythe Football Club are due to go before a Tonbridge and Malling planning committee tomorrow.

If approved, the proposed improvements will see new floodlights, two stands, two dugouts and a paybooth erected at the site in New Hythe Lane.

Club chairman John Michel said: "Our goal is to significantly improve our club and ground so we have a stadium the community can be proud of and to support their local teams.

"We have been fortunate enough this year to receive from the Football Foundation three Government grants for pitch-side perimeter fencing, grass pitch improvements and for new goals.

"We also have a new sponsor for our ground, the CEO of the Taray Group.

"He has funded new seated and standing stands, dugouts and will provide replacement floodlights once planning is granted.

"These improvements will enable the club to meet the FA minimum requirements to progress in to the Southern Counties East Football League."

The club currently competes in the Kent League Division 1 East, and would need to win two promotions to join the Southern Counties league.

They have enjoyed a winning start to the season, with four wins from four matches, including victory over local rivals Snodland Reserves.

The club is hoping to attract more spectators while fans are still unable to attend elite clubs' games because of Covid-19 restrictions.

Mr Michel said: "Covid-19 means we have no changing rooms being used, players turning up ready to play where possible, and having to introduce track and trace for every home match.

"We just hope the second wave doesn't get any worse and cause grassroots football to be stopped."

The clubs plans for upgrades to the ground will be considered by the council's Area 3 Planning Committee at 7.30pm tomorrow.

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