An Oldham secondary school has been given permission to redevelop its 3G playing field.
Hathershaw College submitted an application in August last year to revamp its artificial pitch.
The application also looked to install new floodlights, meaning it can be used in the darker hours by the wider community.
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Now, the school has been given the green light to replace the existing pitch with a new one, install the new floodlights and put new fencing in place.
In a design and access statement prepared by Sports Labs Ltd on behalf of Hathershaw College, it states the purpose of the new pitch is to enhance the school's curriculum and to provide a "high-quality space" for the wider community.
According to an application report prepared by an Oldham Council planning officer, the new pitch will be bigger than the existing one, which will lead to a loss of some grass area surrounding the pitch.
The officer felt this was acceptable as the new pitch will meet the Football Association’s competitive football requirements, leading to an improved facility which would provide "a significant community benefit".
The operating hours of the pitch will remain the same, between 8am and 10pm each day, so as not to impact on the amenities of neighbouring properties.
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As part of the approval of the new pitch, it will be not available for use until a community use agreement prepared in consultation with Sport England is submitted, which will lay out how it can be used by the community.
The proposal was formally approved on Monday (April 7).
