Major investment planned for Lancashire FA's Leyland grassroots football hub
“Football is a key driver of social and health outcomes.”
Plans have been revealed for a major investment at one of Lancashire’s most popular grassroots football hubs.
Leaders at Lancashire Football Association (LFA), which is based at the County Ground in Thurston Road, Leyland, want permission to remove two existing 3G artificial grass pitches and replace them with a reconfigured, modern, full-sized 3G artificial grass pitch with perimeter fencing, hardstanding areas, storage container, sports lighting, and an access footpath.
A planning statement to South Ribble Borough Council (SRBC) states it will increase football opportunities for members and the wider community, adding: “Football is a key driver of social and health outcomes. This project will boost participation and enjoyment and is supported by the Football Foundation to expand access, particularly for disadvantaged groups. It represents a major investment in local sports provision.”
The two existing pitches measure 87x61m and 36.7x27.7m, with the proposed replacement a 97x61m AGP with 3G artificial grass designed to accommodate a variety of youth football pitches and training areas.
The AGP would support the following formal pitch arrangements:
One Over 18 / Adult Football (11v11) pitch
One U11 / U12 (9v9) pitch
Two U9 / U10 (7v7) pitches
Four U7 / U8 (5v5) pitches.
There would be Macadam hardstanding viewing and goal storage areas, 4.5mhigh fencing to the perimeter of the facility with a 1.2m high internal fence, six 15m-high sports lighting columns, and a maintenance/sports equipment store located within the fenced facility enclosure.
LFA’s agent, Surfacing Standards Ltd, state: “The development has been carefully designed to comply with the FA and Sport England guidance, with the intention of enhancing the site’s infrastructure. The scheme will provide a modern, durable, and inclusive all-weather sports facility, enabling yearround football activity for both members and the wider community, regardless of seasonal or weather-related constraints.”
What would it be like?
The proposed pitch layout has been re-orientated 90 degrees to the existing AGP arrangements to position the majority of the AGP further away from the nearest residential boundaries. The main pitch goals have been repositioned from a north-south orientation to an east-west orientation, reducing the likelihood of footballs being directed towards neighbouring properties and perimeter boundaries.
Operating times
The proposed hours of use requested are:
Monday-Friday 9am to 10pm (final curfew 10.15pm)
Saturday: 9am to 6pm (6.15pm final curfew)
Sunday (including Bank Holidays): 9am to 6pm (6.15pm final curfew).
Noise
A noise assessment has been carried out, which concludes: “Overall, the report concludes that the proposed development would result in either a reduction in noise impact or a negligible change for nearby receptors and would not give rise to unacceptable noise effects.”
Appearance
The installed appearance of the playing surface will comprise a 3G artificial grass system featuring a 40mm pile, partially in-filled with silica sand for stability and granulated rubber for performance. The grass will be coloured grass green to replicate the look of natural grass. This surface will be installed over a shockpad.
Lighting
The proposed sports lighting will comprise six 15m-high galvanised steel columns, each equipped with energy-efficient LED bulbs. It is proposed that after the final session of each day, a short illuminated period will allow players, coaches, and spectators to vacate safely and for staff to store equipment and secure the facility. To minimise impact, lights will be dimmed to 10 per cent during this time.
Ball Stop Fencing
The appearance of the perimeter ball stop fencing will be polyester powder coated Moss Green, which the agent states: “provides the most discreet appearance within the surrounding landscape”. Both the 4.5m high perimeter fencing and the 1.2m high spectator fencing will be steel open mesh with a 200x50mm aperture, ‘maintaining visibility while reducing visual impact’.
Fence panels would be insulated from the posts using neoprene washers - to aid noise reduction by reducing rattle and vibration from ball impacts.
In conclusion, the planning statement says: “The club will ensure the AGP generates sufficient income to cover all running costs, including staffing for maintenance and management. It will expand English Accredited Club provision, offering a high-quality environment for football development. The AGP will meet the FIFA Quality Programme standards and be registered on The FA Register of Football Turf Pitches prior to use. Ongoing performance testing will ensure safety throughout the facility’s lifespan.”
A decision on the planning application will be made in coming weeks by SRBC.
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