Plans for new football pitches approved

Sutton Lawn in Sutton-in-Ashfield will have two new artificial grass pitches

Two new football pitches in Sutton-in-Ashfield have been given the go-ahead.

Ashfield District Council backed its own planning application to replace the pitch at Sutton Lawn with two new artificial grass pitches at a meeting on Thursday.

The pitches will have a 4.5m-high perimeter fencing surrounding the grass, with 12 13m-high floodlights around the pitches.

There will also be an overflow car park with an additional 30 parking spaces.

The planning application received two objections from residents, who raised concerns about the impact of the lighting on nearby households, as well as noise issues.

Addressing concerns, the planning application said the floodlights "are dimmable to offer reduced lighting options for use during training sessions", with any light pollution reduced by their height and angle.

In a statement, John Bennett, the council's executive director for place, said the plans were "another step" in its bid to improve sports facilities in the area.

"We are opening up our green spaces and parks to provide more opportunities for our residents," he said.

"Health and happiness is one of our priorities as a council, and I look forward to seeing the new pitches become a reality."