Plans are in progress to install a 1,500m² (30m x 50m) multi-use games surface with floodlights to enable all-year round sports and play provision during and after the school day from 7.30am to 6pm.

The school needs this space to

• give pupils more space to play sports games at break times, reducing congestion in the playground during winter and spring months when the field is unusable;
• enable PE to be taught outdoors all year round to two classes simultaneously without adverse weather creating an unusable field for much of the week during most of the school year;
• offer pupils a full menu of specialist sports clubs all year round without being affected by weather or shorter daylight hours during the winter.

We informally consulted residents two years ago when we wanted to build a multi-use games area adjacent to our Midhurst Road boundary.  We have listened to the concerns expressed by residents, reconsidered our needs and revised our plans.  We are now proposing to:

• maintain our current playing space (equivalent to 3 football pitches) by creating 1 new all-year round pitch and keeping 2 existing grass pitches;
• locate the artificial, grass surface in the centre of the field, away from neighbouring properties;
• not install rebound fencing to minimise noise and maintain a line of sight across the whole field;
• seek planning approval for floodlight installation primarily for our own use up until 6pm during winter months.

Installation of a multi-use, artificial grass surface and floodlights is subject to planning permission.  Adjusting our plans, seeking quotes and selecting a preferred contractor and preparing our planning application has taken far longer than anticipated.  We will now apply for planning permission over the summer holiday break with installation taking place as early as possible in the Autumn Term, if approved.