The school previously submitted a planning application in December 2024 (just ahead of the Christmas break). Following strong objections, the school withdrew its planning application.

There have been some adjustments to the resubmitted application however the core concerns still remain.

Despite its ambitions, the school acknowledges its current lack of funding for the project, which it estimates will exceed £2 million for construction alone. Consequently, the school envisions utilising the pitch for full commercial purposes upon completion (to cover construction expenses and ensure ongoing maintenance). 

Operating hours are intended to span from 8:00am to 10:00pm, 7 days a week, 365 days a year (i.e. including during holidays). 

As happened in December 2024, when this submission was first submitted and then subsequently withdrawn, again the planning process for the proposed 3G pitch at Southborough High School is unfolding in a manner that raises serious concerns about fairness and transparency:

• the application this time was validated on Monday 6 July 2026

• the application was made visible to the public on or about Friday 10 July 2024

• objections due by Thursday 30 July 2024

• this leaves residents with minimal time to respond, with the process again designed to limit community engagement during a busy holiday season.

For a comprehensive list of concerns and Reasons for Objection please see click the link below