Plans for new 3G artificial football pitch at Stanground Academy
A Peterborough school is looking to install a new 3G artificial football pitch on its playing field.
Matthew Van Lier, executive principal at Stanground Academy, submitted a planning application to Peterborough City Council on November 12 for the new pitch.
If approved, the development would also include hardstanding areas, a storage container and floodlights.
A design and access statement submitted by Surfacing Standards Ltd said: “The scheme will provide a modern, durable, and inclusive all-weather sports facility, enabling year-round football activity for both pupils and the wider community, regardless of seasonal or weather-related constraints.”
It is also noted in the planning documents that the pitch would provide “much-needed” grassroots football infrastructure for Stanground Academy and the wider Peterborough area.
The proposed 3G pitch would sit adjacent to the existing eight small sided Powerleague pitches and proposed padel courts.
Its layout would support one 11v11 pitch, one 9v9 pitch, two 7v7 pitches and four 5v5 pitches.
Plans noted that external sporting activities would take place primarily on weekday evenings and weekends, outside the academy’s operational hours.
Activities would typically occur between 5pm and 10pm (Monday to Friday) and 8am to 6pm (Saturday and Sunday).
The design and access statement added: “This proposal would encourage and support healthy lifestyles, with the facility being playable throughout the year, unlike grass pitches which become water-logged during wet winter weather or excessively hard in dry conditions.
“Furthermore, given the under-supply of similar facilities locally to meet current and future requirements, this development would significantly reduce the need for footballers, visiting teams, and local groups to travel long distances to access appropriate provision.”
City council planners will make a decision on the application at a later date.