Planning proposal for 3G pitch fails

Plans to build an artificial 3G sports pitch in West Sussex have been rejected.

The application for The Ghyll leisure centre in Southwater, which included fencing and floodlighting, was turned down by Horsham District Council's planning committee on Tuesday.

Planning officers had recommended that the application be approved, but committee members disagreed, with one saying: "It would have a harmful impact on residents through noise and disturbance, as well as the loss of an informal sports area."

Councillor Alex Jeffery told the meeting that the village would benefit from a 3G pitch but not at the expense of removing the only area Southwater could refer to as "a de facto village green".

The council received more than 500 letters of objection citing fears over over-development, drainage, parking, the loss of space for dog walkers and community use, and the impact floodlighting would have on homes and wildlife.

Southwater Football Club said: "There remains a desperate need for additional football pitches in Southwater and there appears to be a consensus that at least one should be an artificial pitch."

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