Leeds school gets green light for all weather sports pitch - despite objections
The artificial 3G grass pitch has been given the green light
A school can install new all-weather sports facilities despite dozens of objections from people living nearby.
Council planners gave permission for a 3G artificial grass pitch with floodlighting at Leeds City Academy.
It would replace an existing area of grass playing field, allowing football to be played all-year round at the school on Woodhouse Cliff.
Leeds City Council received 47 letters of objection raising concerns over possible noise, disturbance from the lighting and road traffic issues.
But 24 comments in support were also received from people who welcomed a boost to sports facilities in the community.
A council planning report said there were environmental concerns over artificial plastic material in the 3G pitch.
It said: “Several objectors advocated the use of natural grass or alternative pitch technologies instead.
“Concerns were also raised regarding the proposed hours of operation and evening use of the facility.”
Planning documents show floodlighting would be installed on eleven-metre steel columns around the playing area.
The applicant carried out a noise assessment to help minimise the impact on nearby homes around 25 metres away.
Summarising the letters of support, the council report said: “The development would provide a high-quality, all-weather sports facility capable of year-round use for both the school and wider community.
“The proposal would improve opportunities for physical activity, sport, health and well-being, particularly for young people and pupils attending Leeds City Academy.”
Hours of use of the pitch would be varied according to the time of year as part of conditions on the planning permission.
A design report by the school said: “A plan will be implemented for community use, with booking terms and conditions addressing noise and behaviour.”
The report said the LED lighting was designed to avoid spill into the surrounding area.
It said: “Automatic time clocks will be installed to ensure lights are extinguished at the curfew hour every night of use.”