St Joseph's Plans a Floodlit All-Weather Pitch With Community Use

Hebburn could gain a new year-round football facility. St Joseph's Catholic Academy on Mill Lane has applied to South Tyneside Council to replace its grass pitch with a synthetic all-weather surface, complete with LED floodlights, as reported by the Shields Gazette.

What is proposed

The plans would turn the existing grass pitch into an enclosed synthetic playing area with ball-stop fencing, LED floodlighting and storage for maintenance equipment. The applicants say it would offer several pitch sizes and training areas for different age groups, and that surface water run-off would be managed without increasing flood risk nearby.

The applicants describe the scheme as a "positive investment in local sports infrastructure".

Who would use it

This is not just for pupils. If planning permission is granted, the school would seek funding through the Football Foundation's artificial grass pitch framework, which requires evidence of potential community use. The planning documents say additional user groups have already been identified, and that a formal community use agreement would be drawn up as part of the final funding application.

A floodlit surface would mean football can carry on through the winter months and into the evenings, when grass pitches are often unplayable or in the dark.

Have your say

A decision is expected after a public consultation period. The application can be viewed and commented on through the South Tyneside Council planning portal, under reference 260607.

Best for: Looking for a team to join? Our guide to football in Hebburn lists the local clubs and where they play.