St Joseph's Catholic Academy in Hebburn could see its grass pitch replaced with a synthetic turf surface, complete with LED floodlighting and fencing, under new plans submitted to South Tyneside Council.
The proposal for the Mill Lane school would deliver an all-weather playing area intended to support year-round sporting activity for pupils and the wider community. The application describes the scheme as a "positive investment in local sports infrastructure", offering a range of football pitch sizes and training areas suited to different age groups.
Facility details and community benefits
The enclosed playing area would include ball-stop fencing, LED floodlighting and storage for maintenance equipment. A design and access statement accompanying the application says the proposals would benefit the wider community through the "provision of an enhanced playing facility and the opportunity for usage throughout the year".
Applicants also noted that the development would manage surface water run-off efficiently and would not increase flood risk in surrounding areas.
Funding and next steps
The design and access statement explains: "The proposed synthetic turf pitch will replace an existing area that has previously been used for football type applications." It adds that the pitch "will provide access to a greater quantity of provision in a suitable location supported by effective and appropriate management arrangements, whilst implementing construction techniques outlined for the various specific components to ensure minimum waste and pollution is caused by the development."
Planning documents state that, if approved, the development would seek funding through the Football Foundation's AGP Framework, which requires proof of "potential community use". The design and access statement confirmed that "additional user groups that will be facilitated on the new pitch have been identified" and that a formal community use agreement would be established as part of a final funding application.
A ruling on the application is expected after a period of public consultation. Further details are available on the council's planning portal by searching for reference 260607.
