A multi-use games area could replace a school playing field with "poor drainage" if plans are granted by the local authority.

Gidea Park Primary School in Lodge Avenue could have a 60-metre by 35-metre recreation area, which includes a seven-a-side football pitch and two netball courts.

This would require Havering Council to approve a proposal from Ilford-based applicant Godden and Grimshaw Limited, received on January 29 and validated a day later.

A decision date for the application is March 25.

A design and access statement shows the development would also include a running track, rounders pitch and spectator area.

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Under nuisance mitigations, the applicant stated that "noisy works" would be restricted to central hours of the day.

The games area would be floodlit to ensure safe use in twilight hours, the statement added.

The site area would span 141,000 square metres and would involve works to the existing playing field.

“It is noted the proposed MUGA [multi-use games area] will be built on the site of an existing natural grass playing field, which will be lost in the process," the design and access statement read.

In it, Godden and Grimshaw argued that the existing field suffers from “poor drainage” and “heavy compacted sub soil.”

“This severely restricts its availability for use as it is waterlogged during the winter months," it stated.

The applicant went on to say the field was dry, cracked and rutted in the summer months.

Godden and Grimshaw also claimed the condition of the field has negatively impacted school sports clubs, and limited its ability to provide the full physical education curriculum.

Works are expected to begin in July this year and end in September.

From Monday to Friday, the facility would be open from 7.45am until 6pm.

On Saturday and Sunday, it will be in use from 8am until 6pm.

“The new facility can be used all year and will enhance the sports provision for pupils and be made available to the local community for here,” the design and access statement added.