OTLEY residents fear their peace and quiet could be ruined by a new all-weather sports pitch.

Prince Henry's Grammar School is working, in partnership with the Football Foundation, on plans to create the £710,000 facility in its grounds.

The 3G AstroTurf pitch, full sized and floodlit, would be used by the school and the wider community.

More details about the scheme were provided at a recent drop-in evening.

News that the preferred location is at the front of the school, however - near Oatlands Drive and Prince Henry's Court - has angered residents.

Jim Loftus, from Prince Henry's Court, is one of a number who have objected.

He said: "Feelings are running high.

"The preferred site is ten metres from houses and this would mean people wouldn't be able to sit out in an evening, or a weekend, and enjoy some peace and quiet.

"Because games will be going on in the evenings and seven days a week - on Saturdays they could be going from 9am to 10pm, just like one long football match with all the noise associated with that.

"There are people in their eighties, families with young children and so on living here - none will be able to sit out in their gardens and enjoy a quiet evening.

"This pitch might be needed but this is the wrong place."

John Callahan and Brenda Haywood, from Prince Henry Road, said in their letter to the school: "This proposal is simply not appropriate for the limited footprint of the school site in a residential area.

"It would not only cost us the quiet enjoyment of our homes and gardens. It would also wipe out a substantial part of the life savings we have invested in our property.

"We ask you to reflect upon the strength of opposition among your neighbours."

Headteacher Janet Sheriff said concerns would be listened to, but stressed that many details had still to be decided.

She said: "The proposal is still at the very early stages and the final proposed location is, as yet, undecided.

"We will be conducting extensive feasibility studies into the suitability of two potential locations.

"Currently, our preferred location is at the front on the rugby pitch which currently floods regularly.

"We are a member of the Sports Chevin Group and are working with them to improve sports facilities across the town.

"Sports Chevin are very supportive of the proposed development which would be constructed to allow rugby to be played, as well as football.

"We will take all residents’ points into account...and they will have plenty of opportunities to comment."

Councillor Sandy Lay (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) added: "We have had a number of objections from residents who have outlined some legitimate and well thought out concerns.

"In principle I support the proposal but it cannot be to the significant detriment of directly affected residents.

"This is why the school is at this early stage seeking the views of the community so issues concerning residents can be identified and solutions sought.

"Should the school submit a detailed planning application they will need to ensure it meets all planning obligations and regulations.

"Residents will therefore have a further chance to comment, and ward members will write to them when an application is submitted so they can formally object."