The planning application to build a new artificial grass rugby and football field (3G pitch), just to the south of the Sports Hub on Ashburnham Road in Queensferry, has been approved by the Planning Committee.

The new pitches will be built on the site of two smaller natural grass pitches and will also include a sports fence that will surround the pitch and restrict access.

It is expected the pitch will be used primarily by the school and the community and will upgrade of the existing natural pitches which can be in poor condition for extended periods of time.

The proposals primarily come from the planned re-development of Queensferry High School, which is scheduled to be completed by 2020. With the school to be relocated onto the existing playing fields, an alternative site is required until the school building is completed.

Over 120 people submitted comments during the consultation period, with over 85% in support of the plans.  The proposals was backed unanimously by the Planning Committee.

The new facility will be used as ‘rugby and football’ pitch. It would be surfaced with the latest 3G artificial grass with a sand and rubber infill and would be ‘let’ outwith school hours through the South Queensferry Community Hub.