Bosses at Ashford United Football Club have unveiled new plans for nine homes at the entrance to their ground.

Club chiefs say money raised from the development will be used to fund a multi-million pound upgrade of their Homelands Stadium in Kingsnorth.

A 1.2-acre site just off Ashford Road is earmarked for the properties, which are planned to be built around a new cul-de-sac.

Earlier this year, Ashford Borough Council (ABC) gave the green light to United’s bid to revamp Homelands – including an eye-catching extension of the clubhouse.

Bosses say the homes – planned for a disused overflow parking area – will “enable the ongoing running, improvement and growth of United”.

They say their ambition for the wider site is that Homelands Stadium becomes a “park-like setting”.

In a planning statement submitted to ABC, club bosses said: “As part of the continuing operation of the club, AUFC have diversified the business in a number of ways to cover costs, primarily through rental income of conference and bar facilities.

“While this income helps subsidise day-to-day operation, the club now requires a larger capital investment to fund the upgrade and expansion works to allow the club to continue to operate and meet not only the expectations of the supporters, staff and players, but also accreditation bodies such as the Football Association.”

Four two-bed, three three-bed and two four-beds homes are proposed for the site, all with off-street parking.

Bosses say there will be no change to the existing access to the site via Ashford Road.

They added: “The design has been conceived to sit within and enhance the leafy setting to provide a desirable place for new families and residents to make a long-term home in Kingsnorth.

“The proposal provides a positive contribution to the housing offering in the area and maximises the use of a brownfield site.

“The proposal will enable the ongoing running, improvement and growth of Ashford United, an important asset to the community of Ashford.”

Last year, permission was granted to build 10 start-up business units on a separate part of the site.