A SCHOOL has submitted plans to build a synthetic sports pitch by the site of an historic battle but history experts say detectorists should be allowed on first.

Prince Henrys High School has proposed building a 3G Artificial Grass Pitch on its playing fields which branches onto the registered battlefield of the Battle of Evesham.

The Battle of Evesham was fought on August 4, 1265 and was one of the two main battles of England's Second Barons' War. It ended with the defeat of Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester, and the rebellious barons by the future King Edward I, who led the forces of his father, King Henry III

The application, as outlined to Wychavon District Council, would include associated fencing, floodlights and drainage infrastructure.

It would be next to an already existing floodlit artificial pitch.

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According to the Battlefields Trust, the proposed site is on the periphery of the battlefield of the Battle of Evesham, and is not associated with the Montfortian advance towards Green Hill or the location of the Royalist deployment.

However, it could be where the soldiers fled the battle, which could mean there could be remains associated with the battle.

On the application, Battlefields Trust said: "With regards to the potential impacts of the new structure on how the battlefield can be understood, or appreciated, it is recognised that the proposed scheme lies on the periphery of the modern built form and fenced pitches and courts but would represent encroachment into the registered battlefield.

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"Consequently, it is likely to cause less than substantial harm."

Cotswold Journal: The proposed location of the site.The proposed location of the site. (Image: Slatter)

The Battlefields Trust advised if the application goes ahead, detectorists should check the ground first and said they do not oppose the school's proposal.

In a statement of heritage significance on the application, Prince Henrys High School said: "The application site is situated in the southeastern extremity of the designated battlefield area and beyond the location of the main battle site which lies one-kilometre northwest of the application site itself.

"The current setting of the application site is on the periphery of an urbanised setting, no longer a historic rural landscape in which the battlefield can still be discerned.

"The visual impact on the battlefield area would be mitigated by the design of the proposal comprising a fenced and flat, green open area, broadly akin to the existing layout in the same place."

Consultation for the planning application ends on August 31 and can be found by referencing W/23/01204/FUL.