The new Grace Dieu Manor FCV International Football Academy has applied for permission to lay an 'international size football pitch' at its Thringstone site.

A professional standard hybrid football pitch would take the place of land which is currently not in use, according to a planning application made to North West Leicestershire District Council last week.

The Academy has stated its reasons for the new pitch as part of its application to the council.

It reads: "As part of the reforming of a community asset, the ground around Grace Dieu Manor is fortunately receiving much needed investment.

"The proposal is for an International Football Academy and associated facilities to bring the Manor back into operation.

The plans have been submitted to North West Leicestershire District Council. Image: North West Leicestershire District Council

"This application seeks approval for an international size football pitch and security fence to protect the asset.

"There is an element of grading of the existing topography in order to provide a level surface, a benefit of which is that the pitch becomes sunken into the hillside to obscure its view."

District Council planners will now consider the application before deciding whether to grant planning permission,

Work has already started to ensure FCV Academy can welcome a new cohort of full-time students this coming Autumn - with further expansion to follow subject to planning permission.

The building is the former Grace Dieu Manor School in Thringstone which had to close two years ago because it could not guarantee its financial future - saying at the time it had to make a 'difficult decision'.

The first developments for the Grace Dieu estate will include four football pitches – two of which will be full-size 4G fields – and three new accommodation blocks, as well as a two-storey gym that will allow players to train in accordance with their own fitness programme.