A MAJOR scheme has been proposed to improve playing fields to enable them to be used throughout winter months.

Plans have been submitted to Warrington Borough Council for Great Sankey Parish Council Playing Fields, off Lingley Green Avenue.

These seek permission for the installation of a new drainage system, including required excavation and earth works.

The site consists of an existing 2.65-hectare playing field that was formerly part of the adjacent Great Sankey High School playing field, but is now in public use.

Great Sankey Parish Council owns the freehold, with a covenant that requires it to forever support, maintain and improve the property for the purposes of playing fields.

Planning documents state: “The parish council has been assessing options to improve the drainage conditions of the pitches, so that they can support more use during winter months.

“At present, the area is poorly drained and is only useable by clubs during a few months of the year.”

It is said that the existing site has clay dominated soils with very low inherent infiltration rates.

Work will include the installation of a system of underground lateral drains and collector drains, with the creation of a detention basin with a low-flow channel to store the excess water.

This will be connected to the nearby brook with a flow control device to limit the flow, while the detention basin will be wet for most of the year, adding habitat value to the site.

The installation of the drainage system underground will include the stripping of the topsoil, which will be temporarily stored, with the ripping and firming of the subsoil across the area and the installation of other permeable surfaces.

Plans add: “The proposals seek to support Great Sankey Parish Council’s aim of improving the existing playing fields, by introducing a drainage strategy that will allow the fields to be used during the winter months.

“The proposals will significantly enhance the usability of an existing area of open space and will provide real benefits to residents.”