Plans have been put forward to convert an disused golf driving range into a purpose-built rugby club ground.

Swanley Rugby Club wants to erect new facilities at The Olympic, in Beechenlea Lane, Swanley and make the events venue its permanent home.

The site would see a rugby pitch installed and a training area which will involve some groundwork to provide a level area for the rugby matches to be played.

Also included in the plans are changing rooms and toilet facilities.

Stuart Tate, media spokesman for the club, said the plans were “very important” to help support the growth of its adult and youth teams, but would also serve and benefit "the whole town”.

He said: “The club has grown at a fast pace since its inception in 2017. Back then, we couldn't have comprehended the achievements that we have managed in our 6-year spell.

“Developing a youth section, growing our playing and supporting membership, and becoming one of the biggest contributors in the town to local charities all whilst not having a true home is nothing but exceptional.

“To have The Olympic as our permanent home is very important to us, and we are grateful to Swanley Town Council in supporting our application.

“We will be able to use these solid foundations to continue to root ourselves in the community as an all-inclusive hub to serve the whole town for the foreseeable future, and we can't wait.”

The driving range has not been used for more than five years and is currently derelict with its viewing enclosure now run-down.

The site would see a rugby pitch installed and a training area which will involve some groundwork to provide a level area for the rugby matches to be played.

Also included in the plans are changing rooms and toilet which will be fitted inside two metal boxes which will be coloured dark green to blend into the general background.

A 9686 sq m parcel of land opposite The Olympic Centre is also earmarked for a nature area to be made available for “biodiversity enhancements” which will be owned by the town council.

The plans are under consultation until Wednesday, September 6.

The plans can be viewed on the Sevenoaks council planning portal by clicking here using the reference number 23/00575/FUL

Some 55 public responses supported the plans while just one opposed the development.

One respondent said that the derelict site was the “perfect home for the club which will benefit a lot of people”.

While another said the club “deserves a permanent home” as their community initiatives “help people in the area and encourage people to take up sport whatever their abilities”.

However, one person objected to the pitches arguing they would “be detrimental to the site's natural beauty”.

Sport England has also submitted a response objecting to the proposals. It said it objects to the application because it is not considered to accord with any of the exceptions to its Playing Fields Policy or with National Planning Policy Framework.

“If the applicant wishes to provide further information to justify the loss of the playing field in accordance with Sport England’s Playing Fields Policy, please re-consult Sport England so that we can consider this further,” it read.

However, supporters of the plans said it would “get more people into the Olympic Centre” which would in turn “bring more revenue into Swanley”.

The current Olympic Centre already hosts several sporting activities as well as social facilities, including an outdoor bowling green, snooker and boxing facilities.

The centre also has 65 car-parking spaces with an additional 40 overflow car park spaces.