Renfrewshire Council is pursuing upgrades to playing fields at two Linwood secondary schools that would replace existing surfaces with new, floodlit 3G artificial pitches and associated infrastructure. Planning applications submitted by Amey PLC on the council’s behalf propose works at Linwood High School on Stirling Drive and St Benedict’s High School on Bridge of Weir Road.
What is being proposed
Documents lodged with the planning authority set out broadly similar schemes for each site. The key elements include:
- New 3G football pitch surfaces to replace existing playing areas;
- Floodlighting to extend usable hours into evenings and darker months;
- Perimeter fencing and supporting columns;
- Hard and soft landscaping works to integrate the new facilities into the school grounds;
- Subsurface drainage systems designed to manage surface water and cope with significant rainfall events.
Drainage and access
The planning statements make clear that new drainage will be installed beneath each pitch to allow surface water to drain naturally into the ground and to reduce the risk of standing water. No new vehicle access points or parking areas are proposed as part of either development; the focus is on upgrading existing facilities within the school boundaries rather than expanding circulation or car parking.
Consultation and next steps
Both applications are currently the subject of public consultation and representations can be made to the planning authority. The consultation period runs until Tuesday, 28 July. If planning permission is granted, the projects would provide each school with modern, all-weather football facilities intended for year-round use.
| School | Location | Key proposals |
|---|---|---|
| Linwood High School | Stirling Drive | 3G pitch, floodlights, fencing, drainage, landscaping |
| St Benedict’s High School | Bridge of Weir Road | 3G pitch, floodlights, fencing, drainage, landscaping |
Local impact
Proponents say modern 3G surfaces and floodlighting increase the usability of school sports facilities throughout the year, supporting curriculum PE, after-school clubs and potentially community hire. The absence of new parking or vehicle access suggests the council intends the works to be contained within current site footprints, though that may raise questions from neighbours on noise, light spill and evening use.
The applications have been submitted by Amey PLC on behalf of Renfrewshire Council and will be decided through the normal planning process following the consultation. Interested residents and stakeholders should review the application documents and lodge any comments with the planning authority before the 28 July deadline.
