The Abbey School in Faversham unveils £1m sports pitch project

A school’s plans to build a 3G sports pitch costing to the tune of £1m have been hailed “one of the most important developments proposed in the area”.

The Abbey School in Faversham hopes to build the new surface along with 15-metre tall LED floodlights, storage areas and a 102 car park extension.

Official papers launched to Swale Borough Council (SBC) show it would be constructed adjacent to an existing synthetic turf provision, on grassland used as an athletics track.

In a letter supporting the planning bid, a resident wrote: “The benefits extend far beyond our club.

“They reach into the hearts and lives of countless individuals, empowering them to be active participants in their own health and wellbeing.”

Urging the council to approve the plans, another added: “This has to be one of the most important developments proposed in the area, and I cannot see why it would not be allowed to proceed.”

If approved, the 3G pitch would be suitable for 11-a-side football matches in line with FA guidelines as well as rugby training.

Though an exact price has not been confirmed, Sport England estimates such a facility would cost at least £1 million – though this could rise by hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Bosses behind the project told SBC in planning papers: “The proposed facility will offer a variety of football pitch sizes and training areas suitable for a range of age groups within the same enclosed playing space.

“This supports grassroots sport development plans as well as meaning the pitch can cater for a wide array of potential users (in comparison to the existing pitch).

“Synthetic turf pitches are more durable compared to natural turf, especially during winter weather conditions, which offers increased opportunity for