A fresh bid is to be submitted for an artificial pitch at a school which would be used by students and a thriving football club.

Roundwood Park School in Harpenden confirmed this week that it is resubmitting its application for a 3G pitch on the site which would be used outside school hours by Harpenden Colts.

The application was turned down by a St Albans planning committee last month because of concerns about the hours it would be in use and the likely impact on nearby residents.

Tony Smith, who submitted the application on behalf of the school, said this week: “We were disappointed with the initial outcome. It was a surprise given that the officers’ report saw no grounds to reject it.

“We have been warmed by the support of parents and the local community and the governing body will be submitting a new application.”

He explained that it would be submitted in the summer and the new application would address the opening hours issue which had so concerned the committee . He added: “We will try and adjust [the hours] to meet their expectations.”