BRAND new state-of-the-art sports facilities which could provide amenities for hundreds of sports enthusiasts throughout East Dorset look a step closer to reality.

Dorset County Council planners are recommending approval for the scheme at Queen Elizabeth School in Wimborne.

The facilities include a synthetic turf all-weather pitch, floodlighting and landscaping on the existing hard surface play area at the school, which is in need of renovation. Half of the current hard surface will be returned to grass as part of the scheme and the facilities will be available for public use.

Only a handful of letters opposed the plans on grounds of noise and light pollution.

The long-awaited sports facilities are dependent on National Lottery funding, although a proportion of match funds have been put forward by both East Dorset and Dorset County councils plus other bodies.

The proposals are a replacement of an earlier scheme for a much larger synthetic pitch granted permission in 1999 but two applications for funding failed.

The new scheme is a scaled down version of the first and will cost less to build.

Andrew Price, head of planning, said: "It is clear that the existing sports facilities at Queen Elizabeth School are sub-standard, being badly drained and worn.

"The provision of a synthetic turf pitch would provide a boost for local football and hockey clubs.

"The only facility within the school's catchment which is available for use by the public is Ashdown Leisure Centre some 15 minutes away from the school. However the facility is very heavily used and additional bookings are problematic."

The application will be discussed by planners on Friday (Sept 5).