19 Apr Plans to build three new floodlit 3G grass pitches approved to boost grassroot sport
Planning permission has been approved for new floodlit 3G artificial grass pitches (AGP) in Braintree and Witham to benefit local schools and communities.
The plans received support from councillors at a Planning Committee meeting this week (Tuesday 16 April) and is another step towards the provision of new pitches at New Rickstones Academy and Witham Sports Ground in Witham, and at Notley High School in Braintree.
The plans come after receiving public feedback wanting more availability of pitches due to increased demand and growing popularity of casual and small sided football.
The pitches are being made possible from over £1million of Section 106 funding, secured by Braintree District Council through the planning process from housing developments.
The Football Foundation, which is the charity of the Premier League, the FA and Government delivering grassroots football facilities, has supported the development of these proposals. Braintree District Council will now submit the final funding applications to the Football Foundation for approval. If approved, progress will begin on the projects from Autumn this year.
Cllr Gabrielle Spray, Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure at Braintree District Council, said: “We know having more pitches due to growing popularity of football and increased demand was a priority locally so we’re pleased we have been able to combine Section 106 contributions from various local housing developments to bring forward these applications, which will have a lasting impact on grassroots football in the area. We continue to work hard to bring in more financial contributions and actively encourage authorities to spend the funding and deliver infrastructure improvements to benefit our communities.”
Cllr Mary Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities at Braintree District Council, said: “It’s great that this project has reached another milestone and we’re a step closer to bringing these new pitches to fruition. They’ll play an important role in supporting local grassroots sports clubs and schools, strengthening local communities and having a positive impact on physical and mental health.”
Existing artificial grass pitches in the Braintree district include Great Notley Country Park, Halstead Leisure Centre, Witham Sports Ground, Braintree Sports & Health Club, Hedingham School, Lyons Hall Primary School, and Braintree Hockey Club.
