PLANS for a new football training facility in Northwich have been submitted.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is looking to install a 3G pitch at the Moss Farm Leisure Complex in the town.

It is hoped such a project would encourage more players, with a particular focus on women's and girl’s football.

A planning statement included in the application says such a development is 'much-needed'.

It adds: “This proposal aims to create a facility which supports the delivery of high-quality sport and recreational play positively encouraging the development of girl’s/women’s football, with an aim to increasing the levels of participation, at a time when the female game is experiencing high levels of success.

“The introduction of this new proposal will expand and improve the facilities available at the site and within the wider community, thus encouraging a wider range of participants.

“The FA are actively promoting women's/girl's football with an aim to dramatically increase the levels of female participation in the sport and it is therefore envisaged this new facility will assist in achieving this aim."

Northwich Guardian: The new 3G pitch would replace an existing grass pitchThe new 3G pitch would replace an existing grass pitch (Image: CWAC)

According to the latest ‘playing pitch strategy’, Northwich has a 'theoretical shortfall' of four 3G pitches in regards to training demand.

The existing 3G pitch at Moss Farm operates at 97 per cent capacity mid-week, with local clubs requesting additional access on a 'weekly basis'.

Submitted by the council itself, the application is for an artificial grass pitch with sports lighting along with perimeter fencing, drainage, a storage container, access, a car park and associated landscaping.

The synthetic pitch would be located on an existing grass playing field and would help 'raise the standard of play and training', the application states.

As well as supporting the women’s game, the pitch would provide training opportunities for Northwich clubs who are currently forced to train out of town, causing 'significant issues' in Winsford and Middlewich.

While primarily used for football, the surface is also suitable for other activities and can be used in most weather situations.

Funding from Cheshire FA and developer contributions will be used to match fund a grant bid to the Football Foundation to deliver the new facility.

The site will then be managed and maintained by Cheshire FA.

It will open from 9am to 10pm every day, including bank holidays.

Neighbours have until June 25 to submit comments about the proposals.

To view the plans in more detail, search reference 24/01441/FUL on the council's online planning portal.