CONTROVERSIAL plans for an all-weather hockey pitch at a Keighley school have been recommended for approval.

The proposals – for a 3G synthetic pitch plus clubhouse, specialist lighting and perimeter fencing at Holy Family – will be debated by councillors next Wednesday (Aug 29).

And in a report to the Keighley & Shipley Area Planning Panel, officers say the application should be given the go-ahead, with conditions.

Nearly 40 objections to the scheme have been submitted to Bradford Council, plus a 53-signature petition.

Concerns include the potential visual impact of the development, ‘light pollution’ from the floodlights and increased traffic and parking problems.

Keighley Town Council has also recommended that the scheme – in Spring Gardens Lane – be refused, claiming there are more-appropriate sites nearby for such a facility.

But supporters of the project say it would provide a much-needed sports facility in the area and would benefit pupils and the wider community.

Council officers say the new facility would be installed on an existing grass pitch close to the school.

“The pitch would be used by the school to improve its sports facilities but would also be used by local sports clubs during the evenings and weekends,” states their report.