Sport England has objected to plans for 675 homes in Sittingbourne, despite the developer pledging to build three pitches and a rugby clubhouse.

The public body has weighed into the debate around Quinn Estate’s proposals for Wises Lane, Borden, saying it does not “adequately provide towards facilities to meet demand”.

Sport England estimated the population of the new development would be 1,485 which it calculated would equate to an extra £689,062 of demand for facilities, including sports halls, swimming pools, artificial pitches and indoor bowls.

Sittingbourne Rugby club is backing the proposals which would see it gain its own facilities rather than share with other groups at Gore Court off London Road, where the rugby pitches are located up a hill away from the clubhouse.

Laura Hutson, planning manager at Sport England, commented on Quinn Estate’s application saying, “I understand that, were the rugby club to move away from Gore Court, then the ability of Gore Court Hockey Club to continue as a going concern would be put in considerable jeopardy due to the increased financial commitment.”

She added Gore Court Hockey Club should be considered as a recipient of any Section 106 payments from the development as it is currently trying to generate between £300,000 and £400,000 to replace the current surface and shock pad of its artificial grass pitch at Westlands school.

Looking at provision elsewhere in the town, the Sport England planning manager said Old Bordenians Hockey Club is currently £40,000 short of being able to replace a carpet and possible shock pad at its Avenue of Remembrance pitch.

She also highlighted the potential need for more football pitches for young people in Swale.

"We are working with Sport England to allay the concerns they have in order for them to withdraw their objection." - Mark Quinn

Laura Hutson stated: “While the proposed provision of rugby pitches and a new clubhouse is noted, as well as the club’s reason for wishing to move,”it was clear that “there is an established need for provision/improvements for both football and hockey”, which this application did not address.

Mark Quinn, director of Quinn Estates, said: "We are working with Sport England to allay the concerns they have in order for them to withdraw their objection."