KICK-OFF has been delayed in Rosyth but Dunfermline Athletic have again been given the go-ahead for a 3G astroturf pitch at their training ground.

They did receive conditional approval from Fife Council last September for a new playing surface at the Castle Road site but had to revise their proposals due to drainage issues.

A new application for the all-weather pitch was tabled in February and approved last week.

The council have declared a climate emergency and highlighted that, to cope with heavier and prolonged downpours which experts predict will increase in regularity due to climate change, more stringent measures are needed to deal with potential flooding.

Dunfermline Press: The pitch will be installed at the former Rosyth Civil Service Sports Club site on Castle Road.The pitch will be installed at the former Rosyth Civil Service Sports Club site on Castle Road. (Image: Newsquest)

Athletic's planning agents, Sports Labs Ltd, who are based in Livingston, admitted: "Given the pitch location and previous site history, the drainage system in place is of utmost importance for this site."

The details include a new drainage pipe network and carrier drain, manhole and 'infiltration trench'.

Consulted about last year's application, Scottish Water said their records indicated there were "abandoned sewers" on the site which should be "broken out and removed".

They added: "Failure to do so would run the risk of future collapse of structures if they are built over the voids left by the infrastructure."

Sports Labs said they didn't expect to find any "existing drainage system within the existing pitch".

A deal to take over the former Rosyth Civil Service Sports Club was struck in November 2021, the club agreed a 25 year lease, and Athletic had hoped their new training facility would be up and running in June 2022.

However, James McPake and his League One title winners are preparing for the new 2023-24 Championship season elsewhere as the ground, which will also house the youth academy and the Pars Foundation charity, is not ready.

Dunfermline Press: Dunfermline Athletic previously installed a plastic pitch at East End Park in 2003. They were forced to rip it up two years later. Thankfully the surfaces have improved since then.Dunfermline Athletic previously installed a plastic pitch at East End Park in 2003. They were forced to rip it up two years later. Thankfully the surfaces have improved since then. (Image: DAFC)

The new 3G synthetic turf will meet FIFA Quality Pro standards and be installed on top of an existing grass pitch and the old bowling green.

The playing surface will be enclosed by a 1.2 metres high perimeter fence – rising to 5m behind both goals – and there will be six floodlighting columns, each 15m high.

It will be open until 10pm on week nights and 9pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Although the new pitch is central to the club's training complex, it will also be available for community use.

Sports Labs said: "The new facility will provide a new all-weather use pitch allowing increased participation, expansion and development of local teams, strengthening of links already in place with local sports teams.

"Given there is currently a natural grass sports pitch in this location this proposal simply enhances this and provides a better offering to the local area."

As well as the new astroturf surface, plans for the training ground include two full-size grass pitches, warm-up and goalkeeper areas, an education and analysis auditorium, changing rooms and showers, offices and meeting rooms, a kit room, laundry and boot room, an indoor sports hall, kitchen and an eating and rest area.

The club’s strength and conditioning gym, which is currently at East End Park, will also move to Rosyth.

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Sports Labs added that, in a parent-pleasing move, controlling "micro-plastics migration is vital".

Anyone with a child who plays on these surfaces will know that a lot of the little black micro-plastics used on these pitches have a habit of finding their way back into the home and carpets via boots and socks.

Sports Labs explained: "We have included 250mm high recycled plastic kickboards to the full pitch perimeter, with detox grids with boot brushes at all access points.

"Detox grids will be fitted with mesh grilles to catch micro-plastic infill to be reintroduced to the system, reducing the amount of infill required to keep the pitch system performing at a high level."