A floodlit all-weather pitch for use by Harpenden Colts and the local community as well as Roundwood Park students has come a step closer after a planning application was submitted by the school.

The application for a full-size pitch at the school, which is expected to be determined by St Albans council in May, is to meet the massive demand for training and competitive facilities not just for Roundwood Park students but groups like the Colts.

It will also address the inability of Roundwood Park’s 1250 students to use their playing field throughout the year.

Moira Hart, chair of governors said: “The intention to submit a planning application was announced at a public meeting in June.

“The application was delayed as local residents requested an extensive independent traffic survey be conducted to identify the likely impact

of the new development alongside existing lettings in the evening and at weekends.”

She added: “The school waited until October in order that the survey gave a truer and a more accurate reflection of activity in the evening and at weekends as this is typically a busier lettings period than the summer months”.

If the planning application is successful, a request for funding will be submitted to the FA.

More information on the development is available on the Roundwood Park School website and the Harpenden Colts website.