THE HEAD of a Solihull school has spoken to ‘reassure residents’ her plans for a sports pitch will not resurrect wrangles over a 6-a-side football centre.
In 2007, a proposal to create 11 pitches by national small football pitch operator Powerleague was thrown out by Solihull Council over concerns about its impact on residents close to Tudor Grange Academy Solihull.
Residents are again concerned about the schools intention to replace a grass pitch with a 3G all-weather pitch, which they say would be lit up into the late evening.
A single 6000 square metre pitch is proposed by the school, to allow training year-round.
Tudor Grange Academy stated it was planning on holding a meeting for residents to discuss the plans. This has not been able to go ahead due to Covid-19 restrictions and information is on the school’s website solihull.tgacademy.org.uk/3gpitchproposal/
Claire Smith, the Principal of Tudor Grange Academy Solihull, said:“We want to reassure residents about the TGAS application to convert a football pitch into an all-weather pitch and ensure the information they receive is accurate.
“The application is to replace a football pitch that is currently unusable for the vast majority of the year due to poor drainage with a third generation (3G) synthetic pitch.
“Problems with the current pitch have led to cancelled fixtures and a reduction in our PE and sport offer and we want to fix the problem to benefit our students.
“The proposal is for a junior pitch of 91m x 55m that is ideal for our students and community. It would not be feasible to expand the size in the future and there is no need.
“In partnership with The FA the new facility will also be used by selected local clubs in the evenings and at weekends to support community football.
“A steering group, including local residents, will meet termly to review usage.
“Throughout, we have been consulting with members of the community, who have been very helpful.
“This location has specifically been selected due to the distance away from the neighbours.
“There will be absolutely no floodlight pollution observed from outside of the school grounds.
“Lights will be set electronically and will automatically turn off at the end of the session.
“There will be no development of buildings, no fixtures, no licensed premises, no change to current opening times.”
