3G pitch decision deferred after objections

Horncastle Education Trust said it had received positive feedback about the pitch from local sports clubs

A planning decision for a new 3G football pitch at a school has been deferred after numerous objections and councillors comparing it to a “prison-like structure.”

In December 2022, the Horncastle Education Trust (HET) proposed a new sports hub at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School (QEGS), including a mini soccer 7v7 grass football pitch, a junior artificial cricket wicket, and a full-size 3G football pitch.

However, some local residents objected, claiming the 3G pitch would be too close to their homes.

On Thursday, East Lindsey District Council's planning committee decided to visit the site before making a final decision.

The planned 3G pitch would be part of a new sports hub at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School.

Sandra James, chief executive of HET, told the planning committee meeting positive feedback had been received from local clubs and organisations regarding the proposed pitch.

She said: “We try very hard to be a good neighbour in terms of the surrounding community and we also engaged in voluntary consultation in January 2023 with an open forum to all.”

Stephen Pickwell, a resident of Upland Close, expressed concerns the pitch would be directly next to his garden, potentially imposing on nearby properties.

“We fear for the noise and disturbances impacting on our weekends and evenings, the stated need for an acoustic fence outlines these concerns,” he said.

'Not in my backyard'

The proposed development received more than 30 formal objections through the council’s online planning portal, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Councillor Richard Alison also criticised the project, highlighting its “inconsiderate placement” and the “immense” visual impact it would have on the surrounding area.

“We hear all too often ‘not in my backyard’, but unfortunately there lies the problem," he said. "This site is literally in the backyard of the people here today.

“These residents are going to see this all day, every day, not just for 90 minutes or so of football.”

While some councillors were in agreement with the project, they acknowledged the concerns raised by residents and deemed it necessary to further investigate the site personally.

The planning committee decided to conduct a site visit before reaching any final decision.

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