Here is a summary of the items scheduled for discussion at the Cabinet Meeting of Dover Council on 6 October 2025. The main item for discussion was a report regarding objections to proposed licenses and a lease at Marke Wood for Cinque Ports Football Club. The Cabinet was also scheduled to discuss the Charity of Frederick Franklin for a Public Park, and to consider whether to approve the proposed licenses and lease.

Charity of Frederick Franklin for a Public Park

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider a report from Emma-Jane Allen, Head of Parks, Open Spaces and Countryside, regarding the Charity of Frederick Franklin for a Public Park.

On 3 June 2025, the Cabinet, acting as trustees for the Charity of Frederick Franklin, had approved proposals for a package of licenses and a lease that aimed to raise standards and increase usage of football pitches and the pavilion at Marke Wood. This approval was subject to a consultation, which was carried out by placing a notice in a local newspaper advertising the council's intention to dispose of open space.

The report pack noted that twenty-three objections had been received in response to the notice. The main issues raised were:

• Concerns that insufficient consultation had taken place.
• Concerns that access to Marke Wood by non-football users would be restricted.
• Concerns that the proposals would lead to increased noise, parking, litter, and property damage.

One correspondent supported the proposal.

The report pack stated that the council had fulfilled its statutory duty to consult by means of the newspaper advertisement and presentation of the responses within the report. It also noted that the council was preparing a revised Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Facility strategy, which would consider the long-term future of facilities across the district, including those at Marke Wood.

The report pack stated that the proposals were designed to enable enhanced use of the pitches while the Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Facilities strategy was under development, and that the proposed leases and license for Marke Wood would apply for a period of two years.

Objectors had raised concerns regarding:

• Consultation: 15 objectors stated that insufficient consultation had taken place.
• Access to the site for purposes other than football: 15 objectors were concerned that the proposals would result in non-football users of Marke Wood being negatively impacted.
• Noise and / or Foul Language : 13 objectors were concerned that additional noise would be generated.
• Impacts on traffic or parking: 12 objectors were concerned about increased parking.
• Accidents or damage caused by stray footballs: 8 objectors were concerned that balls would not be contained within the recreation ground and could disturb or damage neighbouring gardens, or cause accidents on Liverpool Road.
• Planning: 4 objectors raised concerns about potential planning implications.
• Litter: 4 objectors raised concerns that allowing the Pavilion to be used to sell refreshments would lead to increased litter.
• Shipping container: 2 objectors raised concerns about the installation of a shipping container in a well-maintained green space.
• Light pollution: 2 objectors raised concerns about the potential use of temporary floodlights.
• Negative impact on health: 2 objectors raised concerns that the proposals would have a negative impact on health.
• Sale of alcohol: 2 objectors raised concerns about the introduction of an alcohol license and the expansion of clubhouse operations.

The report pack stated that sale of alcohol would not be permitted.

The correspondent who supported the proposals asked for confirmation that the pitches would be available for booking by football clubs other than Cinque Ports FC. The report pack stated that under the terms of the existing license, Cinque Ports FC was required to provide other clubs and leagues access to the pitches at the price as published on the council's fees and charges register, and that these requirements would be included within in the new license.

The report pack reminded the Cabinet that, in discharging functions in relation to charities, the law requires them to put aside their aspirations for the council in a corporate sense and to act solely in the best interests of the Charity. It also noted that the Charity's aims are to provide sport and recreational facilities for the general public in the form of building, facilities and open space, and that the Cabinet, acting as trustees, are required to decide which of the options are in the best interests of the Charity.

The report pack presented two options for consideration:

• Option 1: To confirm approval of the proposed licenses and lease.
• Option 2: Not to confirm approval of the proposed licenses and lease.

The report pack recommended Option 1, stating that confirming approval of the proposed licenses and lease would help to raise standards and increase usage of football pitches and the pavilion at Marke Wood, thus enabling the trustees to meet Charity of Frederick Franklin objectives. It also noted that Cinque Ports FC had secured a Football Foundation Grass Pitch Maintenance Fund grant worth just under £50,000 over six years and had been invited to apply for funding from the Football Foundation for grounds maintenance equipment, and that should the pitch license lapse without replacement this investment opportunity would be lost.