Plan for artificial sports pitch set for approval

Plans for an artificial football pitch in Spondon are set to be given the go-ahead this week.

Derby City Council's planning committee is recommended to approve proposals on Thursday for the facility in Dale Road Park, Derby, which has been designed to accommodate football, cricket and netball.

The proposed facility would be open from 08:00 to 22:00 every day, and would also have 8m (26.2ft) tall floodlights.

Documents said there were "no comparable" facilities in the area and added it would help residents take part in physical activity.

A report prepared for councillors included a submission by the Derby Parks team, which said there was a "particular and pressing need" for new facilities to support women and girls playing football.

"With the continued growth of women's football - particularly following the success of the Lionesses - there is increasing demand for high-quality, inclusive facilities at a grassroots level," it added.

There have been 115 responses to the proposals, which included 92 comments in support and 23 objections.

The report said objectors raised concerns about an increase in anti-social behaviour and issues caused by lighting at the proposed facility.

However, it said the impact of the artificial sports pitch from a visual and residential perspective was "felt to be reasonable".

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