The new sports facility is earmarked for a playing field at a Stoke-on-Trent school.

The existing grass field at The Crescent Academy in Meir will be upgraded to a new painted asphalt finish if the plans are approved by Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

The new 'Playzone' playing surface will be surrounded by perimeter fencing and a floodlight system to provide a space for football and other sports.

A design and access statement submitted as part of the planning application said the Playzone Programme had been created by the Football Foundation with the aim of tackling inequalities in physical activity and access to facilities by funding community spaces.

The application says: "The client is looking to redevelop an existing natural field to an upgraded PlayZone complete with new surfacing, fencing, floodlighting and equipment to provide an exciting and enticing space for football and multiport for the local community.

"This proposed space is intended to encourage more physical activity, primarily through football but extending to other sports and causal play.

"The Football Foundation's Local Football Facilities Plan has identified Stoke-on-Trent as a community in need of increased sporting provisions.

"Their report has indicated the need for 9 artificial pitches, 22no natural grass pitches and 16no. changing pavilions. This development would help towards providing a high quality small-sided facility and in addition to providing a space that is made available for community use."

The full application can be viewed here.