A vital "need" to provide improved football facilities within the Lowestoft area has taken a significant step forward.

Plans to build a full size 3G football pitch within the grounds of a town academy have been lodged.

Lowestoft Journal: Waveney FC logo. Picture: Waveney FCWaveney FC logo. Picture: Waveney FC (Image: Archant)

In May last year, officials at Waveney FC expressed pride after confirming "a massive project" was being progressed as they linked up with the Benjamin Britten Academy of Music and Mathematics, the Suffolk FA and the Football Foundation.

Lowestoft Journal: Benjamin Britten Music Academy in Lowestoft. Picture: NewsquestBenjamin Britten Music Academy in Lowestoft. Picture: Newsquest (Image: Archant)

Plans submitted to East Suffolk Council for a scheme centring around "Construction of a 3G synthetic turf pitch with associated sports lighting, fencing, hard and soft landscaping" are currently "awaiting decision".

A design and access statement lodged by agents MUGA UK Ltd, on behalf of the applicant Benjamin Britten Academy, "in support of new artificial grass pitch (AGP) with spectator area, goal storage areas, perimeter fencing, sports lights, storage container and link path," states: "The FA have identified a need within the local area for a 3G pitch and as part of the FA framework are prepared to fund the introduction of an appropriate facility at Benjamin Britten Academy.

Lowestoft Journal: Plans for a new artificial grass pitch (AGP) with spectator area, goal storage areas, perimeter fencing, sports lights, storage container and link path have been submitted. Picture: MUGA UK LtdPlans for a new artificial grass pitch (AGP) with spectator area, goal storage areas, perimeter fencing, sports lights, storage container and link path have been submitted. Picture: MUGA UK Ltd (Image: MUGA UK Ltd)

"The introduction of this new proposal will expand and improve the facilities available at the academy and within the wider community."

With the proposed facility "for both academy and community use" the aim is "to introduce a new 3G Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP) onto the existing academy playing field" situated to the west of the main academy building.

It adds: "The proposed pitch will be enclosed by 4.5m high perimeter fencing and gates.

"There will also be six 14m high sports light columns mounted with LED luminaires.

"The nearest residential properties are some 75m away.

"The proposal site is to be accessed via the existing access point off Blyford Road."

With the proposed facilities to "be used by the academy during the day and by local clubs/groups in the evenings and at weekends", it adds: "This project is an excellent example of where a new AGP can deliver facilities in an area of strong local need."