Plans to install a new all-weather 3G pitch at Layham Road Sports Ground will not go ahead until at least May 2023 if councillors agree a motion to be discussed next Thursday.

An item on the agenda for Hadleigh's full council's meeting, now held fortnightly, is asking councillors to split the elements of the project allowing the building of a new pavilion to commence, but shelve the 3G installation and revisit the business plan.

A note has been added to the agenda warning splitting the project could ultimately cost the Town Council more overall as the Football Foundation have already advised that the pavilion would only be able to attract up to £25k grant funding as their funding is focussed "on the pitch".

The cost implications will be assessed following advice from Goatalee Solicitors, and a report from the council's project officer.

Councillor Huw Roberts has also argued that due to concerns regarding micro-plastics seeping into the River Brett from the Football Foundation's suggested infill for the pitch, that rubber crumb should not be used and a natural substance is used instead.

Cllr Roberts chairman of the town's climate change emergency and environment sub-committee

Members will be asked on Thursday to agree to request that a clause be added to the contract with the Football Foundation with Hadleigh Town Council that stipulates that the pitch solution will not involve rubber crumb under any circumstances and the council agrees not to proceed with the contract until the Football Foundation responds to this request.

Cllr Roberts, who is chair of the town's Climate Change Emergency and Environment sub-committee, is also looking for staff to investigate options, including the estimated costs and resources, required to commission a measurement of micro-plastic pollution in the River Brett, at least one location close to, and downstream from, the proposed site of the Layham Road Sports Ground artificial pitch.

If agreed, Cllr Roberts will be asked to arrange a video call open to all councillors with a representative of Fidra, to ask general questions about the risks from artificial pitches, especially the pollution issues of rubber crumb.

The Climate Change Emergency and Environment sub-committee has also recommended asking football, rugby and tennis clubs to commit to producing net zero carbon strategies within the next 12 months as a condition of proceeding with the developments at LRSG.

Meanwhile, Hadleigh town council will also be holding elections next May.

Hadleigh council admits recruitment process riddled with prejudice, poor procedure and sexism