Maidstone Borough Council initially refused planning permission on grounds relating to the sustainability development at the site, which is deemed countryside in planning policy terms. 

Both decisions were appealed and considered at an informal hearing. 

A comprehensive case was presented to the Planning Inspector, in collaboration with DHA Transport, demonstrating that the development and the potential future promotion it could allow, would not materially intensify its use. 

It was shown that the development was directly supported by sustainable development policy given the improvement to sports facilities that would be secured and the extended use of these facilities that it would allow,and that in all other respects the development satisfied policy.

The Inspector endorsed the case put forward on behalf of the football club and allowed both appeals.