PLANS to build a sports pitch to be used by pupils and the community on Richmond School's grounds have been submitted to the council.

The school hopes to create a new external artificial grass pitch to accommodate an 11v11 football pitch as well as youth football pitches, mini soccer pitches and training areas.

The site, near an all-weather pitch, will also house storage space for sports equipment and a covered spectator seated grandstand.

Floodlight polls of 17m are included in the plans, as well as a barrier around the pitch and a perimeter fence.

There will also be new hard standing parking areas and a pavement for pedestrians and visitors.

The school has consulted artificial turf sports pitch design consultants Surfacing Standards Ltd to draw up the plans.

It is hoped the new pitch will improve the sporting and recreational facilities at Richmond School that can be used by the community.

The document states: “The new artificial grass pitch will provide increased usage in comparison to the existing grassed football pitch, for the benefit of the academy, football clubs, partner organisations and community groups in the surrounding Richmond area.

“It will offer a variety of football pitches and training areas within the same enclosed playing space to support development plans into grassroots football.”

Richmond Town Council published a report, stating to have “no objection to the provision of the pitch”.

However, councillors are concerned about the associated features such as the grandstand, and the possible intrusion by features on local residents.

The application is in a residential area of Richmond School within an existing playing field.

The document added: “The intention is to develop the pitch with minimal visual impact when viewed from any adjacent properties looking onto the site."