Plans for new floodlit all-weather sports pitches

The pitches would accommodate a variety of sports and outdoor activities, the council said

Five new all-weather floodlit pitches could be built as part of a council's active lifestyle scheme.

Tendring District Council said proposed locations in Essex included Clacton-on-Sea, Dovercourt and Brightlingsea.

The "PlayZones" would feature surfaces suitable for multiple sports and have floodlights, plans showed.

The council hoped the facilities would be open in spring 2026, subject to funding from the Football Foundation and planning permission.

It said a public consultation about the scheme would run until 14 October.

The proposed destinations outlined by the council were:

• Walton-on-the-Naze, Bathhouse Meadow

• Brightlingsea, Lower Park Road

• Jaywick Sands, Crossways Recreation Ground

• Dovercourt, Cliff Park

• Clacton-on-Sea, Clacton Leisure Centre

Mick Barry, the council's cabinet member for sport and leisure, said the plan was a "significant step forward" for the authority.

"We are making progress to improved community access to top-notch facilities that encourage physical activity and social interaction," he added.