A bid by Hampton & Richmond FC to replace its grass pitch with a plastic 3G alternative has been recommended for approval despite concerns about the impact on wildlife.

Council officials are backing the scheme which is due to be discussed and decided by councillors on Richmond Council's planning committee today – Wednesday.

The club, which plays in the Vanarama National League South, argues the switch to a plastic pitch will allow it to train and play games all year round, rather than being forced to call off games due to a waterlogged or icy pitch.

It could also, potentially, provide a home for women's and girls' football in the borough, which is seeing extraordinary success and growth.

However, critics raised concerns about the impact on the neighbouring Beveree Wildlife site and the expected increased use of the stadium.

The ground capacity is 3,500 and includes stands for 644 seated and 900 covered terracing. The 3G pitch would be used by the first team as well as the youth and academy teams – as well as female, local community and schools.

The whole site, including the Beveree Wildlife Site, an area and bank of mixed woodland running along the edge of the football ground, is owned by the Council.

The scheme has split the local community with some 32 letters of objection and 32 letters of support.

Objections included concerns about introducing an artificial grass pitch in a conservation area, while some fear the new harder surface will increase the number of football hitting and damaging surrounding properties.

Critics said artificial turf retains the temperature more than natural grass and is hazardous to small wildlife, while the current pitch was said to provide habitat for birds and insects, such as the stag beetles, hedgehogs and bats.

They also argued the pitches contribute to micro plastic pollution of the environment and waterways, while releasing harmful chemicals.

The many supporters included local sports teams, who welcomed the expectation that a 3G pitch would allow teams across the community to play more often.

These included the Hampton & Richmond Borough Pan Disability Football Team, Hampton & Richmond Borough Youth, and Richmond Park FC, which is the largest all-female football club in the local area.

They have 250 girls and 14 teams training and playing every week, while the under 17s won Surrey FA Women's League last year and are now taking on the likes of Sutton United, Dorking Wanderers and Brentford.

A spokesperson for the team said: !We have spoken frequently to the local and national FA, Football Foundation, and Richmond and Kingston Borough Councils about the lack of a full-size artificial football pitch in the area. "

"It is a disgrace given the local population and when there are so many boys and girls playing football in the area. The installation of this pitch would enable girls in the borough to be able to play high-level sport regularly in a safe and inclusive environment."

In a report recommending approval, a Council official states: "The proposal would enhance an existing pitch, creating more sporting benefits for the

community. It would allow the First Team to train on their home ground and avoid match cancellations due to weather.

"Subject to an appropriate community use agreement, the all-weather pitch is considered to improve sporting opportunities within the community, enhancing the following user groups: Women's football clubs (youth and senior teams); Schools from around Hampton and the Borough; Community Youth Clubs/Centres; Walking football; Disabled football."

The official said the new pitch would help combat a current shortfall of five in the number of full 3G pitches available in the borough.

The Council's Ecology Officer said the ecological benefit of the current grass pitch is 'not significantly high'. At the same, concerns for wildlife are being offset by the plan to install two stag beetle loggeries and 2 bat boxes in the neighbouring wildlife site.