Football is coming home in Sutton as the Council supports Sutton United to prepare for their new position in the English Football League.

On 7 July, the Council’s Planning Committee gave full support to Sutton United Football Club by granting planning permission for a new stand, new turnstiles and new natural grass to replace the artificial pitch.

Although natural grass is much better to play on, synthetic turf has become an increasingly common playing surface for athletics since its introduction 50 years ago and has changed dramatically. The playing surface is an important component of the athletic environment, as it influences both performance and athlete safety. A common misconception is that artificial turf is maintenance-free; in fact, however, these surfaces require routine maintenance. The question of whether athletes suffer more injuries on synthetic surfaces than on natural surfaces is also being debated at various levels and types of sport.

When the club was promoted to the English Football League (EFL) at the end of the season, there were additional ground requirements to satisfy EFL regulations. The club is now working to very tight timescales to comply before the start of the new season in August.

Councillor Drew Heffernan, Chair of the Council’s Planning Committee, said:

“We are all proud of Sutton United for their promotion, so it was a pleasure to grant permission for the changes they will need as they begin this next chapter in their history.

“My committee and the whole of the Council would like to congratulate Sutton United on their successful application and wish them all the best for next season and beyond.”