Plans have been submitted for a new sports facility featuring a 3G pitch and multi-use games area (MUGA) in the grounds of a Suffolk school, which are set to cost upwards of £1 million.

If approved, the new equipment will be developed at Alde Valley Academy in Seaward Avenue in Leiston and will include 4.5m high fencing around the MUGA to stop balls from flying over.

A MUGA is an outdoor games area with high fencing, which can be used for a variety of sports, including football, basketball and tennis.

The equipment is set to be funded to the tune of £1.3 million as part of the proposed Sizewell C legacy for the community.

READ MORE: East Suffolk Council to discuss £1m Leiston sports facility

The facilities will be shared with the neighbouring Leiston Leisure Centre for community use. 

As per a 'Deed of Obligation' between East Suffolk Council/Suffolk County Council and the Sizewell C Holdings Company, the 3G pitch should be completed and ready for 2025.

East Suffolk Council will be responsible for the management of the Leiston Sports Facilities, including bookings.

READ MORE: Suffolk club Leiston's new pitch will help 'whole community'

The floodlit 3G pitch will allow football to be played in the evenings, something that the plans say tie in well with Leiston Football Club, who have also recently received funding to support a 3G pitch.

In August, Leiston FC applied to East Suffolk Council to replace the grass surface at their Victory Road stadium with the 3G FIFA Pro all-weather artificial pitch, which would enable the club to play in the National League.

READ MORE: Leiston news

Their aim is to be able to start using the new surface in April.

Currently, the first team plays in the Southern League Premier Division Central, but has ambitions of playing at a higher level.

The plans for the Alde Valley Academy facilities were discussed at a meeting of East Suffolk Council's cabinet in November.

READ MORE: Suffolk news