DISCUSSIONS are in progress about building a new artificial football pitch in Whitchurch.

Testbourne Community School, in Micheldever Road, will potentially gain an allweather artificial turf football pitch, with fencing and floodlights as well as a storage container for equipment.

A report from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has shown that the three artificial turf pitches (ATPs) in the borough mean that there is one pitch for approximately every 56,000 residents.

Analysis of the usage of those pitches shows that all three are operating at more than 95 per cent capacity, and with the population in Basingstoke set to increase, there will be a demand for more recreational space.

Local football teams have also indicated that they may be able to use the new pitch for practice, the initial response being that during the week they would use it for approximately 27 and a half hours a week. The rest of the 39 hours available would be taken up by other organisations.

There have previously been objections from residents and the Whitchurch Town Council, but they have since been withdrawn. They related primarily to the floodlighting and the proximity of the pitch to the one used by Whitchurch United FC, who play behind them at the Sports and Social Club.

Sharon Woodman, deputy clerk to Whitchurch Town Council, said: “Whitchurch Town Council previously objected to this applications due to concerns on several issues. However, following the receipt of further information and a meeting with the parties involved, those concerns have now been addressed to members’ satisfaction and the council wishes to withdraw its previous objection, and fully supports the provision of a 3G ATP.”

A decision is set to be made by Basingstoke councillors in February.