School’s Sports Facilities Upgrade Proposal Recommended for Approval

Published on: 30 Sep, 2026
Updated on: 1 Oct, 2026

St Peter’s Catholic School Playing fields St Peter’s School

By James Moules

local democracy reporter

A Guildford Catholic school is poised to receive permission to build an extension which would create new drama and sports facilities on its campus.

Planning officers are recommending that borough councillors approve the revamp at St Peter’s Catholic School at a meeting later this week.

The scheme would see the school’s St Cecilia’s building get a two-storey extension to provide new PE facilities, changing rooms, a drama studio and hospitality suite.

In addition, a new all-weather sports pitch would be installed, and a tarmac netball court will be relocated to accommodate a reconfiguring of parking arrangements at the school.

Planning documents submitted by the school read: “The proposal offers a much needed opportunity to improve upon the inadequate existing outdoor sporting facilities at St Peter’s School.

“The school is seeking to develop and improve its existing sports facilities to better meet the needs of pupils in line with their PE manifesto ‘Sport for All for Life’, while continuing to build on their well-established educational reputation.”

Residents have been divided in their response to the proposals, with more than 170 public comments made on the application to date – including 98 letters of support and 84 objections.

While the council officers’ report notes that there have been changes to the proposed hours of use to address some concerns, many residents wrote to oppose the scheme over potential impacts on traffic and noise.

One resident wrote: “The current plans will add excessive and significant noise and light pollution throughout the year to local residents out of school time, not to mention a significant environmental impact to local wildlife, and pollution from a great deal of extra traffic.”

However, other members of the community voiced support for the plans on the grounds they would boost the school’s facilities and allow more children to take part in sports.

“I support this, this will be a great addition to the school and local community and allow young and old children the chance to play on this all weather pitch enjoying sport,” one person wrote.

Officers are recommending that councillors approve the scheme when they meet for Guildford Borough Council’s Planning Committee this Thursday (October 1).

In their report, officers said they are “of the view that the adverse impacts arising from the proposal would substantially outweighed by the benefits of the scheme, and accordingly the recommendation is to approve the application, subject to conditions.”