PLANS for a full size 3G sports pitch at a Caernarfon school have been submitted.

A full planning application to create a synthetic turf ground at Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen has been submitted to Gwynedd Council.

It is hoped the plans will provide a “benefit” to the whole community as well as the school – although the planning documents note some “concerns” over the potential impact on some residents.

The proposals would see the Bethel Road school gain an artificial grass pitch (AGP) and surface with 3G (third generation) artificial grass to accommodate a football pitch of 106m x 70m.

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The application has been made by Geraint Owen, Gwynedd Council housing and property service officer, through the agent Oliver Pennington of Surfacing Standards Ltd.

According to Surface Standards Ltd, the proposal “will replace an existing artificial sports pitch, albeit the existing pitch is only a half-sized pitch, and the proposal is for a full sized pitch”.

The plans also include “4.5m high fencing, a 4m high acoustic barrier, 6 x 15m high floodlights, team shelters, hard standing, and landscaping bund with planting”.

The development is set to be within the existing playing fields area of the school.

To the north of the planned development would be the remaining school playing fields and the south existing school buildings.

To the northeast of the site is the Arfon Leisure Centre, and to the north and west a number of residential properties.

According to the plans, “a two-day drop-in session for the neighbours” was held in March.

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A note in the pre-planning advice section of the planning application reads: “Planning policy is generally supportive to sustain and enhance the community facilities within the plan area, and to this end, the principle of developing a 3G pitch would be acceptable.

“However, there is concern regarding the location of the pitch, in relation to dwellings in the west.”

But Surface Standards Ltd concludes in its planning report: “The proposal would give rise to a considerable benefit to the wider community through the provision of an enhanced playing facility and the opportunity for usage throughout the year and would be available for use by partner organisations and community groups.”

Over the years, boys and girls’ teams at the school have achieved numerous accolades in football competitions, including the Welsh Schools championships.

Successful sides at the school have been managed by the school’s head of PE Bryn Williams and a well known Caernarfon Town FC legend Nathan Craig.