A sports club is set to expand its community facilities after being given permission for a new artificial pitch.
The Hunslet Club will get a 3G all-weather pitch, along with floodlighting and fencing after the council gave consent.
The artificial surface will replace two existing grass pitches at the Hillidge Road club, a not-for-profit youth organisation with more than 3,400 members.
A planning report said 3G football pitches could be used for 80 of play per week, compared to around six hours on grass.
It said: “The proposal will provide very significant social benefits for the recreational value of the green space by offering the opportunity for increased pitch use.”
Leeds City Council received 12 letters in support of the planning application from people who were in favour of the upgrade of facilities.
One letter of objection was received on environmental grounds, the report said.
The objector said the material used to make 3G pitches was not recyclable and there could be light pollution from the floodlights.
But council planners said they were satisfied the scheme would not harm the surrounding area.
The planning report said: “These benefits have received praise from representation letters in support.”
The club, founded in 1940 and an official partner of Leeds United, the club said the new pitch would help with the development of women and girls’ football.
A design report said: “The synthetic pitch will help to raise the standard of play and training opportunities within the local area as well as hopefully enhancing individual’s enjoyment of sport.”
