Pitch plans backed despite residents' concerns

Worplesdon Primary School's proposal on its Fairlands Estate site has been recommended for approval

Plans for a new floodlit sports pitch at a Surrey primary school have been backed by council officials despite some residents raising concerns.

A new multi-use games area at Worplesdon Primary School in Fairlands would comprise of two artificial pitches, surrounded by two-metre fencing.

The proposal, on the school's Fairlands Estate site, has been recommended for approval by planning officers, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

However, some residents have expressed environmental and conservation worries over the scheme.

In recommending approval, planning officers wrote: "It is considered that the proposal would provide significant opportunities for increased participation of sport at the school, increased education opportunities and would be an asset to wider use by the community."

Harm to bats?

Numerous residents of the surrounding Fairlands Estate voiced concerns about increased noise and light pollution.

Several objectors claimed that protected species such as bats could be harmed by the floodlighting.

The lighting design was amended during the application process to reduce light pollution, council documents say.

Proposed operating hours are 08:00 to 20:00 BST Monday to Friday during school term, 09:00 to 16:00 on Saturdays and no use on Sundays.

These hours would vary during the school holidays.

Members of Guildford Borough Council's planning committee will decide whether to approve the application on Wednesday.

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