MORE than 130 people have objected to a planned 3G sports pitch at a Southampton school, with some even claiming the proposals have “horrified” residents.

But the proposed facility at Itchen college, which will include eight 15m-tall floodlights, has received the backing of England Rugby.

The national body says the college would “hugely benefit” from the all-weather artificial pitch, due to the “limited green space” in the area.

Speaking on its behalf, Ivan Torpey, development officer, added that he had worked with the college for three years to recruit players, but it has been “challenging” due to the lack of pitch space – which this new 3G fixes, he says.

Local sporting clubs, as well as neighbouring schools, have also thrown their weight behind the scheme, saying it will benefit the area.

Louise Jeffcoate, Bursledon FC Ladies and Youth coach, said: “To have a familiar local 3G venue would be so important to the local community and would provide all members of Bursledon Football Club, and other local teams, a good opportunity to have a reliable playing surface on their doorstep.

“We feel there is not enough playing facilities around the local area in which players can express their love of sport.”

The plans, which have received a contrasting 132 letters against and 19 in support, will go before city planning officials next Tuesday. They have been earmarked for approval by planning officers.

However, not all are for the proposals.

Scores of residents have voiced their objections, citing increased noise, light pollution, extra traffic, and even overlooking.

The college has said the site would be operational from 9am to 9pm, Monday to Thursday, and 10am to 6pm, Friday to Sunday. It will be closed on bank holidays.

Resident, Joyce Boyle, from Sholing, said: “It has horrified residents living in the many roads in the vicinity and beyond the college, who will be dreadfully affected by this awful proposal. I am amazed at the comments I have read in favour of these plans come purely from sports clubs/associations miles away.

“These people have no thought or even care of the dreadful disruptions these plans will have on a population already suffering daily with extreme traffic and parking caused by having four schools in one road. That cannot be helped but this ‘stadium’.

“How would you feel if this affected you and your children trying to sleep at night with all the noise, light intrusion, pollution and many more disadvantages these plans will bring with them. These plans are intolerable for a built up residential area such as ours in Sholing.”

The plans will be revealed in Southampton Civic Centre at 6.30pm on September 11.