Plans for a plastic pitch to be installed at Greatness Park have been approved by Sevenoaks District Council.

The home of Sevenoaks Town FC will now have a state-of-the-art 3G pitch.

Paul Lansdale, chairman of the club, said: "This is a significant step forward for the club, and the first piece in a much wider jigsaw that should see Greatness Park transformed over the coming years to become a sporting focal point and a thriving family-friendly hub at the heart of the Sevenoaks community."

The club worked in collaboration with the district council and local residents association to get the plans approved.

The plans also include the replacing of floodlights, which Mr Lansdale says with "significantly reduce light pollution".

The club intends to partner with local schools and groups for use of the facilities, the likes of which are in high demand in the area.

The pitch will enable more teams to train during the week, and will increase the capacity to host fixtures at the ground.

There are already 59 teams associated with the ground, with over 750 players involved.

Mr Lansdale added: "A great deal of work now has to take place to ensure the project is sufficiently financed, but our aim is for construction to begin in May next year ready for the start of September."

"All sections of the club continue to go from strength-to-strength, with more teams, players, coaches, and volunteers than ever before, accommodating all levels of football.

"We are on the brink of an exciting new era which will leave a lasting legacy on the Sevenoaks community."