A scheme to build a full sized 3G football pitch within the grounds of a Lowestoft high school has been approved.

Lowestoft Journal: Plans for a new artificial grass pitch (AGP) with spectator area at Benjamin Britten Music Academy in Lowestoft have been approved. Picture: MUGA UK LtdPlans for a new artificial grass pitch (AGP) with spectator area at Benjamin Britten Music Academy in Lowestoft have been approved. Picture: MUGA UK Ltd (Image: MUGA UK Ltd)

Plans based around the "construction of a 3G synthetic turf pitch with associated sports lighting, fencing, hard and soft landscaping" as well as "installation of three bay cricket practice facility" at The Benjamin Britten Academy have been given the green light.

After officials at Waveney FC said "a massive project" was being progressed, they linked up with the Benjamin Britten Academy of Music and Mathematics, the Suffolk FA and the Football Foundation in May last year.

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

It led to plans being submitted to East Suffolk Council in July by MUGA UK Ltd on behalf of the applicant Hartismere Family of Schools Trust, for the Benjamin Britten Academy in Lowestoft.

It said: "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: Benjamin Britten Music Academy in Lowestoft. Picture: NewsquestBenjamin Britten Music Academy in Lowestoft. Picture: Newsquest (Image: Archant)

"This project is an excellent example of where a new AGP can deliver facilities in an area of strong local need."

With the proposed facility "for both academy and community use" the scheme was "permitted" by East Suffolk Council under delegated powers.

A report from a delegated officer at the council said: "The pitch would measure 97m x 31m, enclosed by 4.5m-high perimeter fencing and gates with six galvanised 14m-high sports light columns on all four sides of the pitch."

With the 3G pitch operating between 8am and 10pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 8pm on Saturday's, Sunday's and bank holidays, one objection from a neighbouring resident was lodged citing fears around "noise" and "use of floodlights".

Recommending the scheme for approval subject to 17 conditions, a decision notice letter from the council stated: "Permission is hereby granted by East Suffolk Council subject to compliance with conditions."