A SECONDARY school has re-submitted ambitious plans for an artificial sports pitch which it says would ‘benefit the entire community’.

Proposals for a £750k pitch with floodlighting at Archway School were initially lodged with Stroud District Council in April last year.

These plans were supported by sports clubs, who said there was a need for the facility, although some residents objected over noise, light and traffic issues.

The plans were then withdrawn in November after Severn Trent Water wanted more work to tackle drainage issues.

Headteacher Kieron Smith said the school needed more time to make the adjustments, which are included in the new application.

The updated plans were lodged last Friday, July 12.

They would see the creation of a 97m x 61m 3G artificial grass pitch with perimeter fencing, hardstanding areas, a storage container, floodlights, footpaths and the replacement of a Redgra facility with natural grass.

Meaning Third Generation, 3G is a type of synthetic surface consisting of synthetic turf, sand and rubber.

The plan reads: “The Football Foundation has identified Stroud as a development hub for football and Archway has been identified as a viable location for a 3G AstroTurf pitch.

(Image: Planning documents)

“Such a facility will enhance the quality of sporting provision for the community and for our 1,000 students.

“A local, high profile football team is seeking a facility to support the development of women’s football and youth football and is keen to use such a facility which would be conveniently located.

“A 3G floodlit facility at Archway would perfectly complement the increasing demand for participation in sport in the local and surrounding area.”

Sports clubs and residents have also thrown their weight behind the plans which would also see clubs given the possibility to book the full pitch or sections of it for hour-long slots between 5pm to 9pm weekdays or on the weekends and school holidays.

One of the aims of the project is to move the football clubs who currently use the indoor sports hall to the pitch which in turn would free up more space inside for netball, basketball, cricket, badminton and more.

Mr Smith said: “We have been working with the Football Foundation for over two years on this project which, if completed, will set to benefit not only the whole school community but all the sports clubs and groups in the local district.

“We have worked with a team of consultants to ensure that the proposal has the minimum of impact on the local community as well as the environment.

“The turf that will be moved to make way for the pitch will be relaid on an old sand based Redgra pitch which currently sits in an AONB.

“Our new application includes updated plans for drainage from the pitch and we are confident that the project specifications will provide a well-needed facility that will last for decades to come.

“Keeping active is an important factor for long-term health and wellbeing and facilities such as this will support this aim.

“We are delighted that the Football Foundation has been so supportive during the planning process and we have received financial support from a number of key partners to give it the best chance of success.”

See the plans - tinyurl.com/3mrfxthu