Hundreds of school children will be able to play outdoor sports all year round after councillors granted planning permission for a £1 million all-weather pitch this afternoon (Wednesday 4 February).
Longhill High School worked with officials, community sports clubs and a football charity to draw up the planning application that was submitted to Brighton and Hove City Council.
And after a debate at Hove Town Hall that didn’t quite run to the duration of a football match, the council’s Planning Committee put the pitch to a vote.
The score was 7-2 and now staff at the school will working hard behind the scenes so that the artificial surface can be put in place over 12 weeks in the summer.
The aim is for games to commence on the new 3G pitch by the end of September – and, after the result today, Longhill head teacher Rachelle Otulakowski said that she was delighted.
A report to councillors said that the council had received 126 letters of support and 98 objections.
One of the objectors, neighbour Terry Rose, raised several concerns when he addressed councillors. He cited potential noise and said that there was “no adequate” travel plan.
Mr Rose said: “The application is not robust and if it goes ahead will effectively urbanise a quiet semi-rural area.
“For these reasons, I ask the committee to either turn down the application or pause it until a much more detailed assessment has been carried out.”
Brighton and Hove Independent councillor Bridget Fishleigh also objected to the application, criticising the rubber crumb surface. She urged the school to use a more environmentally safe alternative.
Councillor Fishleigh, who represents Rottingdean and West Saltdean, said that her son played on 3G pitches.
She said that the microplastics from his boots could be found in their garden and their washing machine and left black spots on his bedroom floor.
Councillor Fishleigh said: “The EU will ban rubber crumb from being used in 3G pitches from 2031 but today we are able to set our own course.
“We are part of the Living Coast and have declared a climate and biodiversity emergency. Continuing to build 3G pitches with microplastics is not compatible with maintaining these environmental credentials.”
Labour councillor Jacob Allen, a former Longhill pupil who now represents Woodingdean ward on the council, said that the plans would give students something that every other local secondary school already had.
Councillor Allen said: “I say unapologetically that children in the east of the city deserve the very best facilities, even when there can be drawbacks to balance.
“This facility will benefit Longhill High School but it will also benefit the wider community. A high-quality all-weather 3G pitch means year-round sport and a safe reliable place for PE lessons.”
Woodingdean Wanderers trustee and youth head coach David Downes said that Brighton and Hove was at the forefront of championing girls’ sports.
Mr Downes said that the club had the biggest girls’ section in the area and was starting to offer walking and disability football.
He said: “More inclusion can only come with reliable facilities. Right now, too many youth matches get cancelled because the grass pitches are waterlogged and unplayable.
“Every cancellation, these players miss out on exercise and the positive routine football gives them.”
Mrs Otulakowski said that the pitch was a “community-led vision”. The football club had approached the school which already had plans for an all-weather pitch.
She said: “My top priority in my job has always been to give my pupils the same opportunities that other secondary schools in Brighton and Hove already enjoy.
“Right now, too many of our pupils miss out when the weather turns or the light fades. This pitch changes that.”
Conservative councillor Carol Theobald voted for the pitch. She said: “It would be quite a good idea to have a few more trees or bushes along the border where the houses are.
“But I think on the whole this is an improved facility for the school and community and for women’s and girls’ sports in particular.”
Labour councillor Tobias Sheard said that he received noise and parking complaints about a football pitch in his ward – the Amex Stadium, home of Brighton and Hove Albion.
Councillor Sheard said: “This is an absolutely smashing idea that we have here in front of us.
“Yes, it’s a shame that it’s the rubber crumb they’re using and not a natural alternative. But that’s all it is – a shame.”
Brighton and Hove Independent councillor Mark Earthey said that he had worked in European environmental law for many years and the future ban on rubber crumb was not a decision made lightly.
Councillor Earthey said: “I’m afraid I’m sort of torn. I agree with it all but I can’t live with the toxicity angle.”
Green councillor Kerry Pickett said that she was equally torn, adding: “I do think that Longhill needs this … but I am really concerned about the rubber crumb.
“It’s not just about the environment. I’m also worried about the health implications of children breathing in this kind of stuff.”
The project is expected to cost £1.16 million, with a Football Foundation grant providing £850,000. The school is paying £203,000 of the project costs while £97,000 is coming from “section 106” money – contributions required from developers behind other local schemes.
Lewes RFC will contribute £2,000 and Woodingdean Wanderers FC about £10,000.
After the vote, Mrs Otulakowski said: “We are absolutely delighted with the decision to allow us to provide a world-class sports facility for our pupils and an £850,000 investment into the future of Woodingdean.
“I am proud that we will have a lasting artefact of the council’s commitment to young people and sport at our wonderful school.”