Plans for an artificial turf pitch at Gillingham School have been supported by local councillors.

The 3G-style pitch would be used by both the school and the wider local community, for example local football teams.

Backing the application for the 91m by 55m pitch, members of Gillingham Town Council’s planning committee said there was a ‘clear need for this important infrastructure, which will provide much-needed facilities for sport, recreation and community use’.

Committee member and town mayor Councillor Donna Toye said it was the kind of infrastructure that Gillingham ‘desperately needs’.

A report drawn up for the school by consultancy Labosport to support its application says the new pitch facilities would include:

• A FA guideline 11v11 Synthetic Turf Pitch (STP) for community use, sized 91 x 55m with additional FA recommended 3m safety run off and additional cross play markings for small sided and junior football.
• A hard standing surface for pedestrian access, goal / maintenance storage container, spectator viewing and maintenance / emergency vehicle access.
• A 4.5m (maximum) high twin bar panel fencing around the pitch
• A 1.1m high fencing between spectator area and pitch
• Installation of a new LED floodlighting system

It says the proposed times for the pitch to be open are from 9am to 10pm daily, and that despite use of the pitch by the community no extra parking places would be needed.

‘The expected usage of the new facility will be enjoyed by local organisations and it is therefore expected that car parking demands will be satisfied by existing parking provision at the school, offering ample space to accommodate community visitors travelling by car,’ write the consultants.

After the vote of support from Gillingham councillors the application will be considered by Dorset Council, who will make the final decision on whether to approve.