Football club plans to create new synthetic pitch
A local football club has submitted a planning application to create a new synthetic turf pitch which would also be used by community clubs and groups.
Bottesford FC propose the facility, along with fencing, floodlighting and storage containers, at their HQ on Nottingham Road, according to plans lodged with Melton Borough Council.
The new pitch will replace an existing turf pitch on the site and will be able to be used in the evenings and at weekends throughout the year.
Information submitted in the planning application states: “Synthetic Turf Pitches are more durable compared to natural turf, especially during winter weather conditions, which offers increased opportunity for sports use to improve the health and wellbeing of the local community.
“The proposed facility will offer a variety of football pitch sizes and training areas suitable for a range of age groups within the same enclosed playing space.
“This supports grassroots sport development plans as well as meaning the pitch can cater for a wide array of potential users (in comparison to the existing pitch).
“The surfacing system will be a FIFA and World Rugby Certified System and will be tested upon completion for adherence to the required performance standard.”
LED floodlighting will be installed to reduce energy consumption and enable the club to dim the lights when required.
A structured booking system will be used for the pitch to ensure users are staggered throughout the day.
“Existing parking provision of approximately 344 to 394 spaces is sufficient to accommodate peak demand,” the plans say.
“Additional traffic generation is modest, with a worst-case scenario of approximately 40 vehicles during peak community use.
“Overall, the development is not expected to result in any significant impact on the local highway network or safety.”
If the proposal is approved, the club plans to apply for funding to The Football Foundation’s AGP Framework, because of its potential for use by the wider community.
Bottesford FC has more than 30 teams, with a range of youth and junior teams for boys and girls, as well as senior team for men and women.
Go to www.bottesfordfc.co.uk to find out more about the club.