MAJOR plans for Winchester City Football Club to have an artificial pitch have been supported by almost 100 people.

On Sunday August 20, the scheme, submitted by Calum Drummond, had received 96 supporting comments and 10 objections. 

The plan is for Winchester City FC and the Winchester City Flyers to use the facilities. The scheme has been in the pipeline for some time, with funding for it coming, in part, from Winchester City Council and the Football Foundation. The total cost is expected to be around £1m.

John Airey, of Mortimer Close, Kings Worthy, told the Chronicle of his 'radical' idea to move the non-league football season back a few months to remove the need for an artificial pitch.

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Mr Airey said: “I'm not against this, but I'm a traditionalist. I'm all for green grass pitches, I don't like the all-weather pitches. I propose that all non-league football go from winter to summer. That would solve everything. 

“There's no money in the non-league game. If games were played in the summer, fans of Premier League clubs would come. They don't know what to do on a Saturday afternoon during the summer. 

“There also would be no need to run the floodlights in evening games, which would save money. I'm just looking to the future.”

On the city council's planning website, Andrew Bateman, of Nuns Road, said: “Our view is that the public health benefits of the proposed development are heavily outweighed by the negative environmental impacts and loss of resident amenity from increased noise, traffic, and light pollution.

“If Winchester City Council claims that it is concerned about the environment, then it should take a lead on seeking alternatives to new 3G pitch development on its land, particularly when this site is adjacent to nature reserves and chalk streams.”

An objection was also received from the City of Winchester Trust.

A supporting comment from Chris Hill, of Woodman Close, Sparsholt, said: “This would be a much welcome advancement for our local club which provides a great deal of enjoyment for local supporters. The club has great ambitions and the artificial pitch would be another step in the right direction.”

On the scheme's planning statement, it said: “The proposed development consists of the replacement of an existing grass pitch and the provision of a full size 11v11 artificial grass pitch, 15m replacement floodlighting, fencing, additional spectator stands, storage container, toilet unit, team shelters vehicular access and extension and replacement of hardstanding areas and associated parking. Biodiversity improvements are proposed to the south of the pitch.

“The proposals seek to make efficient and effective use of land for the facility which will help promote football and improve the community offering in Winchester and the wider area.”

To read more about the application online, search 23/01704/FUL on Winchester City Council's planning portal.