The Faraday Road football pitch saga in Newbury has a new twist: concerns that microplastics from an artificial grass 3G pitch could reach the River Kennet.
West Berkshire Council has removed the AGP (artificial grass pitch) element from its current planning application after feedback from Natural England about the site's proximity to the canal and the risk of microplastic runoff. The council will press ahead with a revised application for floodlighting.
3G pitches are a known source of added microplastic pollution. Rubber infill from shredded tyres - the "rubber crumb" often used in these surfaces - can escape via runoff and contaminate soil and waterways, contributing thousands of tonnes of microplastics annually, according to a report for Sport England.
Council leaders say they will work through drainage and filtration details with Natural England to address the environmental concerns, while prioritising floodlight installation so the ground can meet Football Association Step 6 ground‑grading requirements before the end of March.
Step 6 is the 10th tier of English football, covering semi‑professional and amateur sides. Two Thames Valley Premier League clubs have applied to move up to Step 6 next season: Newbury Town (West Berkshire) and Maidenhead Town (East Berkshire). To be promoted a club must finish in the top five and have a Step 6‑compliant ground; the Thames Valley Premier League can only nominate one club, so the highest‑placed side would be put forward.
Nigel Foot, West Berkshire's Executive Member for Culture, Leisure, Sport and Countryside, said: "We have decided to remove the pitch element from the current planning application so that the Faraday Road ground can secure the floodlights needed for FA Step 6 ground‑grading this season.
"At the same time, we will work through the drainage and filtration details with Natural England to make sure the new 3G pitch meets the highest environmental standards. Our commitment to providing an artificial pitch at Faraday Road is unchanged, and we will bring forward a new AGP application once those environmental measures are agreed."
He added: "This is a pragmatic step that keeps progress moving. Floodlights now support the club's ambitions and community use, while the additional design work ensures the final AGP scheme is robust, sustainable and right for Newbury."
The latest developments follow a long local fight. Eight years ago the site was closed by the council (then Conservative), forcing Newbury Town FC into exile at venues including Brimpton, Henwick Worthy in Thatcham and Lambourn Sports Club and contributing to forced relegation.
The abandoned clubhouse was destroyed in an arson attack on 14 August 2021 and remaining buildings were demolished. The Newbury Community Football Group led a campaign to save the ground; it was renewed as an Asset of Community Value in September 2023. After the Liberal Democrats took control of the council in May 2023 they reversed earlier plans to build on the land, pledging to restore it for community use.
Newbury FC returned to play at Faraday Road on 9 November 2024 and, after initial issues with changing room sizes, were cleared to play league matches there in December 2024.
The council is pursuing a £1.25m project to install a 3G pitch and floodlights to allow year‑round use. In March 2026 it updated plans to prioritise immediate floodlight installation to meet FA requirements while continuing work on the 3G pitch, which remains under environmental review.
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
