Fans urged to oppose ‘unacceptable’ plans
Tonbridge Angels claims the club is being ‘disrespected’ by the local authority over a proposed four metre wide pathway/road encroaching on our leased land.
The club is again urging fans to formally oppose the plans by writing to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC).
TMBC says the path will provide access to a proposed housing development of 350 homes near The Yeomans Community Stadium, Longmead.
The club believes the path/road comes unacceptably close to our marquee – an important revenue generator – and will have a detrimental impact on events including weddings, concerts and festivals.
Furthermore the club has been told it needs to agree to the planning application if it is to secure an extension of its lease in seven years time.
The story has been picked up by local media and yesterday morning (Wednesday) Angels chair Sophie Purves told BBC Radio Kent listeners the club had been excluded from the consultation process and that TMBC is refusing to extend the lease unless the club ‘rolls over’ and agrees to the four metre wide access road:
“It’s just not acceptable to us at all” said Sophie, “and I think for the local authority to disrespect us in this way to not acknowledge we are a community asset and to run roughshod over our lease is really terrible which is why we are asking fans to object to this planning application that affects our operations here at the football club.”
Representatives from TMBC and the developers have been invited to the next Share With The Chair event at Longmead on Monday 23 February which as many Angels fans as possible are invited to attend.
BBC Radio Kent Audio
Tonbridge Angels fear proposed footpath would disrupt club events – BBC News
Kent Online – “They are putting a gun to our head”
Sample objection letter for supporters:
Please send objections to: planning.applications@tmbc.gov.uk. Crucially there is limited time in which to submit comments and they must be sent by Friday 13 February 2026.
