New multi-use games area proposed for Scarborough school

​St George’s RC Primary at Overdale in Eastfield, Scarborough, could build a new multi-use games area (MUGA) if plans are approved by the council.

​St Cuthbert’s RC Academy Trust, which runs St George’s, has proposed converting an existing area of natural grass playing field into a new synthetic play zone.

If approved, the new MUGA would be 30 metres long and 20 metres wide, in addition to a spectator standing area along the touchline.

​The new pitch would also be surrounded by a 3 metre high perimeter fence.

​The grass playing field would be upgraded to a 2G sand-dressed synthetic playing surface surrounded by perimeter fencing and enhanced by a floodlighting system.

​The site is currently in a state of disrepair, and the development would create an “enticing space for football and multisport for the local community”.

​“This proposed space is intended to encourage more physical activity, primarily through football but extending to other sports and casual play,” a plan submitted to North Yorkshire Council states.

​The Football Foundation’s Local Football Facilities Plan has identified “Scarborough as a community in need of increased sporting provisions”.

​The new facility could be used during evenings and weekends, providing a “high-quality space to the wider community by the inclusion of floodlighting”.

​There is an “insufficient number of similar facilities within the local area, and this development would provide a space for the community to engage in sport year-round,” the scheme states.

​The play zone could also provide a valued training facility improving the team sports experience as well as being used for educational, club and community football training and matches during the week and weekends, “all within reasonable times of use”.

​The proposed floodlighting system would consist of a “low-level four-column system, each of which would be six metres in height, which is integral to the proposed fencing system”.

​According to the applicant, current lighting on the playing field is eight metres high and the new proposal would “reduce obtrusive light spill” while the LED fittings would be a more environmentally friendly option.

​North Yorkshire Council has not set a date for deciding on the plan, which is open to representations.