PLANS for a new multi-million pound Dumfries High School have received 20 objections from members of the public but will be recommended for approval.
Councillors are being advised to give the £48m project the green light next week, with work hoping to start later this year.
Planning permission is sought for the erection of a new Dumfries High School to replace the existing school facility which will be demolished as part of the works.
The redevelopment of the site will include the demolition of the existing David Keswick Athletics centre and the associated school outbuildings, to permit the formation of extensive external hard and soft landscaping, as well as the formation of new pitches to serve the school.
But there has been a flurry of objections due to plans to move a 3G pitch closer to nearby residential properties in Birchwood Road.
A summary of the objections received from members of the public stated that the noise from the existing 3G pitch is considerable – with many local football teams playing on it during some evenings – and moving it closer to properties would not be acceptable “per guidelines for community noise”.
Other objections include the proposed floodlights “will cause light pollution” and the environmental impact the pitch could have due to the “type of material” used in construction.
The council’s environmental health officer has said there was the potential for “noise-related complaints” from the use of the pitch and that a plan should be put in place to deal with them.
Councillors are being asked to approve the plans with conditions that a noise management plan has been submitted to and approved in writing by the council.
