YOUNGSTERS in Chilton Foliat could get a new playing field, games area and skate park, if planning permission is granted.

The application for a new recreation ground has been submitted by David Wills, who lives in the village and owns the land next to the primary school.

The scheme proposes a playing field, two multi-use games areas for sports including tennis, netball and basketball, a skate park, changing rooms and six houses.

He has also submitted an application to build nine houses and a children’s play area on the existing recreation ground in Stag Hill.

Aaron Smith, a senior planner with agent Fowler Architecture, said: “We were in discussions with the parish council and the school for over six months before we submitted the application on behalf of our client.

“For them, it was important to secure open space in the village and develop sustainable sports and recreational facilities and they are really happy with the plans, because, at the moment, there are only a couple of swings up there.

“The housing generates funds for the play area and also releases land for the new playing field.”

Initial plans placed all the new houses on the current recreation ground, but residents wanted more open space so the proposal was changes to include six homes near the school.

New facilities could enable the school to offer more PE and after-school activities.

Headteacher Debbie Weston said: “Hopefully the new houses will create the need for more place in the school and the facilities will be finished first so we can use them for cluster events.”