Plans submitted for new floodlit hockey pitch in Andover

The application seeks permission for an artificial grass hockey pitch, perimeter fencing and netting, floodlights, a storage container and hardstanding at the Telegraph Road site.

The planning statement says the scheme would provide a full-size 91.4m by 55m hockey pitch and two mini-hockey cross pitches.

The plans include six 15-metre floodlight columns, 4.5-metre perimeter fencing topped with ball-stop netting reaching seven metres, and a maintenance and sports equipment store.

Drawings for the hockey pitch. (Image: SSL)

The pitch would replace part of an existing grass playing field at the sports ground.

But the planning statement says the scheme would improve sporting facilities in the town.

It states: "The proposed facilities will replace an existing grass pitch with better quality provision, supported by effective and appropriate management arrangements."

The applicant says the facility would mainly be used for hockey, but would also host other recreational sports and be available to local clubs, community groups and partner organisations.

The planning statement adds: "Provide access to high quality facilities and opportunities for sport and recreation can make an important contribution to the health and wellbeing of communities."

The report says the development would offset the loss of grass playing-field space with "an equivalent, better provision by more robust and durable facilities".

The proposed opening hours are 9am to 10pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 8pm at weekends and on bank holidays.

The application has attracted several supportive comments from members of the public.

Nicholas Phillips said: "I'm deeply supportive of this application. It will make a big difference to the quality of sporting facilities available to residents of Andover and the surrounding area, hopefully bringing with it a wide range of associated benefits."

He said the development would be "particularly impactful in developing hockey as a sport in the area" and that he would be "delighted" if his three children could grow up playing hockey there.

Former player and club captain John Buckley described the proposal as "finally a dedicated 2G pitch for Andover".

He said: "This has been years in the making to have a pitch for the ever increasing talent of young and old hockey players in Andover and the surrounding towns and villages."

Buckley said committee members had "worked tirelessly" to deliver the project and he hoped to see it open if approved.

Drawings for the hockey pitch. (Image: SSL)

Nicki Whincup also backed the plans, describing hockey as "an incredible sport which is inclusive of all and supports both physical and mental wellbeing".

She said the facility would provide a "much-needed, high-quality facility for hockey in Andover" and "vastly increased opportunity for player development" before urging councillors to approve it.

The planning statement concludes: "The proposal would give rise to a considerable benefit to the existing sporting site through the provision of enhanced playing facilities and the opportunity for usage throughout the year."

The planning application submitted to TVBC on Wednesday, September 16, has received 23 public comments.

The determination deadline has been set for November 16.

To view the plans in their entirety, visit the TVBC planning portal on: 26/02007/FULLN.