A £710,000 scheme to create a new all-weather sports pitch in Otley is moving forward.

Prince Henry’s Grammar School, with the support of local clubs and the Football Foundation, wants to build the facility on the playing field in front of its main site.

Fitted with floodlights and featuring a FIFA standard, full size 3G AstroTurf football/rugby pitch it would be available to the wider community as well as pupils.

More details were released earlier this year - and drew complaints from neighbouring residents worried about the potential for disturbance.

Some changes have been made to the plans in response to that feedback. They include:

*Reducing the size of the pitch so the facility can be moved further away from nearby houses

*Choosing a more expensive LED lighting system to reduce light pollution

*The installation of an acoustic fencing barrier to reduce noise levels.

Prince Henry’s has now launched a public consultation as it prepares to submit a planning application and put the scheme out to tender.

PE Faculty Leader Dave Curtis said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the school and community to receive some much needed investment in all-weather sports facilities and will give so many people the opportunity to remain active through the winter months.

“We would welcome thoughts and feedback from everyone in the surrounding area through our online survey at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Y2WPBVT .

“We have been talking to our neighbours and local sports clubs and would also really like to know what other people in Otley and the area think of the opportunity.”

If the plan proceeds the pitch is expected to be ready by September, 2019. It would be available for use by the school, feeder primaries, and the community - and provide a training and match facility for local clubs during evenings, weekends and holidays.

Sports clubs involved in the project include Otley Town FC, Otley Zebras, Weston Lane FC, Pool AFC, Otley RUFC and Menston FC Girls. It also has the support of Otley Town Council, Leeds City Council, Sport Chevin and the RFU.

At least 50 per cent of the project’s costs are expected to be covered by the Football Foundation. The school is also hoping to secure money from Otley Town Council’s Investing in Otley Fund and Sport England.