PLANS for a new 3G pitch at Itchen College, that will “hugely benefit” the school and local sporting clubs, have been approved.

However, the proposed opening hours of the site, which includes eight 15m-tall floodlights, were slashed by Southampton City Council’s Planning Committee members, after an outcry from locals about the pitch’s impact.

The college will now only be able to operate until 6pm Monday to Thursday. It proposed to open until from 9am to 9pm. Times for Friday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm, were approved.

It will be closed on bank holidays.

The committee said that while it couldn’t support the proposal as submitted, it did consider that with reduced hours during weekday evenings and “further detail of wider site management” the proposal was acceptable and granted gave it the green light.

Principal Alex Scott said: “We are considering the implications of the restrictions upon opening hours against the requirements of Sport England and the government grant we have received under ‘Healthy Pupil’ funding, to see whether we will be able to undertake the necessary hours related to community use.”

It comes after more than 130 people voiced objection to the proposals, with some even claiming it “horrified” residents. Objections include increased noise, light pollution, extra traffic, and even overlooking.

Mr Scott added: “We remain committed to the scheme and the benefits it will bring to the college, local schools and the community, but cannot ignore the concerns that were put forward so well by our near neighbours.

“We will continue to work with all parties to see whether we can provide an improved playing surface that is available all year round while addressing the concerns expressed by our neighbours and meeting requirements around community engagement". 

But nevertheless, despite heavy objections, the pitch received the backing of England Rugby – the national body that regulates the sport. In a letter to councillors, it said that the college would “hugely benefit” from the all-weather artificial pitch. This was because the school had “limited green space” for pupils to practise on.

Speaking on its behalf, Ivan Torpey, development officer, added that he has 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 said they will also benefit from the pitch.

Louise Jeffcoate, Bursledon FC Ladies and Youth coach, said: “We feel there is not enough playing facilities around the local area in which players can express their love of sport.”