Plans for new floodlit sports pitches at Stamford school

The proposals, if approved, would see the demolition of an existing pavilion to be replaced by a new sports centre alongside three pitches.

An application submitted to Peterborough City Council on behalf of the independent Stamford Endowed Schools stated that the changes are needed due to “an increase in participation in sport by girls,” adding: “There is a lack of facilities for girls at the school, yet there is increasing demand.

“This affects the quality of education that can be offered to the girls and represents a lack of equality.”

The new sports centre would have “modern changing facilities,” as well as a small kitchen, social area, gym and dance studios, while there would be two hockey pitches adjacent.

The centre would also have a pavilion where spectators could watch matches.

To allow for the second hockey pitch the site would be extended southwards into an adjacent field, with both pitches boasting floodlights.

Access to the pavilion is currently gained from Kettering Road for both vehicles and pedestrians.

There is no car park on the site which is intended to remain the case under the proposals, with vehicles required to park across the road at the junior school.

The planning application states: “The proposed development will provide a high quality and much needed additional sports facility for the school.

“The application represents sustainable development that supports equality in education, fitness and wellbeing. The pavilion and pitches will provide improved changing facilities, indoor activities and additional pitch capacity.”

The application site crosses the boundary between South Kesteven and Peterborough, meaning planning permission is required from both local authorities.

Wothorpe Parish Council said it “fully supports the principle of the application” but had a few concerns.

It has requested that the new facility: only be used for sport, with no sales of alcohol, that it only be used between 8am and 9pm, that potential light pollution be evaluated and that the A43 Kettering Road has a 20mph speed limit “in order to protect the school students and others in the area”.