Sporting facilities given go-ahead at college in South Downs National Park
August 19, 2025
Plans for an all-weather sports dome at Lancing College have been given the go-head.
The dome will be built over four existing astroturf courts and allow year-round sport at the school.
A number of factors were considered in the decision by the Planning Committee, including an objection from Historic England given the various historic listed buildings on the site. A letter from the school’s Bursar’s Office, outlining the challenging environment in which independent schools operate, also had to be considered, as well as support from the local parish council.
Competing arguments were heard at Planning Committee, with Members voting for approval of the plans. On balance, it was concluded that the benefits of the proposals outweighed the harm stated by some consultees.
The dome, to be around 72m long and 25m wide, will be situated to the east of the main campus and have a dark green colour.
Members considered that the astrocourts benefit from tree screening and are substantially lower on the slope of the land than the main campus – reducing visual impact on the wider landscape. The courts are situated within an area of the site that is characterised by sports pitches. The plans demonstrated compliance with Biodiversity Net Gain above the required 10%, together with ecological benefits including planting 21 trees, installing log piles and a bat box.
Development Officer Sam Bethwaite said: “This sports development aligns well with Lancing College’s Whole Estate Plan, which covers how physical activity enriches the learning experience at the college.
“When not in school use, the local community will be able to use the dome for sport activities and this is another big positive of the plans.”