We don’t want ‘new O2 Arena’ built in our quiet town – we’ve only got three pubs & we’re dreading rowdy fans taking over

RESIDENTS in a quiet town are furious over plans to build a “new O2 Arena” amid fears rowdy fans will take over the area.

Rugby club Wasps have put forward proposals to build a plush new stadium complex near the tiny village of Farningham, Kent.

Steve BellPedham Place near Farningham, Kent, where a Wasps’ stadium and complex may be built[/caption]

Steve BellIan MacKnelly spoke of his concerns over the development[/caption]

Steve BellResidents including Peter Collinson believe the new stadium may cause a number of issues[/caption]

The 157-year-old former Premiership side are currently homeless after being ejected from the league due when they went into administration.

Wasps were playing in Coventry at the time, but have been based in London and High Wycombe during their storied history.

The plans, which also include a “training ground and hotel”, would see the complex built at Pedham Place Golf Centre – sit close to the interchange between the M25, M20 and A20.

The 28,000-seater stadium, named “The Wasps Nest”, has already drawn comparisons to the O2 Arena.

Most of its income would be generated by concerts and conferences, along with the on-site hotel.

But the proposals, understood to have been welcomed by Sevenoaks District Council, have been met with fury by local residents.

Farningham is a sleepy village set in the stunning Darent Valley, with attractions limited to a golf club and car boot sale.

The village has population of just 1,300 people, many of whom worry about the impact the mooted stadium could have on them.

Locals fear an influx of rugby-mad fans will gridlock the village, which contains just three pubs, a hotel and a small parade of shops.

A regular Farningham visitor from Dartford expressed concerns for the roads when sports events collide – with historic race venue Brands Hatch also nearby.

They said: “It’s going to get ruined if there is a race weekend at Brands Hatch and a rugby match on. You won’t be able to get anywhere.”

Rugby lover Ian MacKnelly has lived in the area for more than 50 years and has held voluntary positions with local club Dartford Valley.

He said: “I have very much enjoyed watching Wasps on the box. If Wasps came here it would be good news for the village and good news for the local economy.

“But I have to be concerned about the impact on the traffic. This is a small rural village and I am unsure it can take it.”

Fellow resident Patrick Cronin, 77, added: “I love sport. I’d probably go there if it gets built – but I don’t know what the impact would be. The exit from the M25 is already horrendous.

“It’s jammed up at this very moment because of a bit of resurfacing – and sometimes you’re lining up into Swanley just to be able to get onto the motorway.”

Residents in nearby Sevenoaks have also shared their concerns about the new development in the district.

Local mum Anna Kidd fears the town’s “adequate” infrastructure would be affected should Wasps move in nearby.

Anna said: “The local infrastructure around here is just about adequate. I wouldn’t say great.

“Roads have been closed a lot recently and have taken a long time to reopen and the traffic jams can get quite bad.

“The plans are quite tricky. On the one hand I can imagine it will be great for the little cafés in Sevenoaks but there’s not enough parking as it is – let alone if the stadium gets built.

Another parent Amber Collins said while new jobs would be good, she understands why others may be concerned about the impact on the roads.

She added: “I think my main issue with these sort of areas is parking. It’s so inaccessible for people and these plans could make it worse.”

Peter Collinson, 57, has worked in Sevenoaks for 23 years and says the stadium could severely hamper his way into the regional hub if realised.

The financial advisor said: “Wasps need to try and take the community with them and consult people locally. See what see if there are things that they can do.

“It could be quite a drain on the local area. Making it congested and impossible to get around.”

But Wasps legend Kenny Logan this week said Kent has a “great rugby heritage”.

He told KentOnline: “We’ll probably look to get to Kent as soon as we can as we want to start building a fanbase and hopefully build this new stadium.

“It will be a big opportunity in Kent to have a big arena, not just for rugby but other sports.

“You need a stadium that rugby can be played in, it needs to be commercially viable for other sports and conferences and concerts, different events, which is really important moving forward.”

His comments came as a spokesperson for Sevenoaks District Council said they believed the development is a “once in a generation opportunity”.

A statement added: “As a top tier Club with an international profile, we firmly believe this is a once in a generation opportunity.

“Wasps would bring unparalleled economic, sports development, health, education, skills and cultural benefits to the District and we are keen to explore how that could be achieved.

“However, the public and partners will need to have their say on Wasp’ proposals before it could be considered for inclusion in the new Local Plan.”

A statement from Wasps read: “The journey of Wasps has been one of passion, resilience, and commitment to the game.

“Our determination to secure a new, sustainable future for the club has never been stronger.

“By working with Sevenoaks District Council, we hope to build a long-lasting legacy that acknowledges our storied past and charts an ambitious future.”

Steve BellAnna Kidd fears Sevenoaks’ “adequate” infrastructure would be affected[/caption]

Steve BellPedham Place,Farningham,Sevenoaks,Kent where a Wasps Rugby Club Stadium and complex may be built.Pic by Steve Bell.25/10/23[/caption]