Exclusive: Millwall able to press on with West Kingsdown training ground project as SoS does not ‘call in’ their project

Millwall’s plans for a new training ground in West Kingsdown have cleared the latest significant hurdle after the Secretary of State (SoS) did not object to the recommendation for approval.

Sevenoaks council gave the green light to the Lions’ plans towards the end of last month but the SoS has the power to direct a local planning authority to refer an application for them to make a decision. The deadline for that to happen has now expired.

The Championship club are able to push on to the next stage, with quantity surveyors coming to look at the site to prepare costings.

Millwall are keen to move as quickly as possible but need to get an accurate assessment of the finances involved.

Lions chief executive Steve Kavanagh said in May that the training ground will take a couple of years to be completed. “You’re looking at a good couple of years to bring that site to fruition before we start kicking balls on the grass,” said Kavanagh.

“This will be something we own, we’re proud of and we can invest in and for the long-term future. So that as a nine-year-old or 10-year-old academy player you’re on the same site moving right the way through to the first team.

“It will also help in recruiting players going forward because Calmont is difficult. You go to a site that is brand new and hopefully it will be a real attraction, especially out in the countryside in Kent.

“There is a concerted commitment to ensuring delivery of a high-end and state-of-the-art training complex which is aligned with the club’s long-term objectives and in keeping with its values and principles. There is still much work to be done before a facility is up and running but everyone connected with the project will continue to work every bit as tirelessly as has been the case to date in order to fulfil the club’s vision.”