Plans for significant upgrades at two leisure facilities in County Down have been approved for development.

Members of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council's (LCCC) Planning Committee voted in favour of the plans at Laurelhill Sports Zone and Lough Moss Leisure Centre, which will include outdoor refurbishment works and the creation of 3G pitches.

Chair of LCCC's Planning Committee, Alderman James Tinsley, said: "I fully welcome these planning works to the Lisburn & Castlereagh area. The modern upgrade of the pitches in Carryduff and Lisburn, and the surrounding area improvements will benefit local school children, sports teams and residents.

"We are delighted that the approved works at Laurelhill Sports Zone will boast a new 3G pitch, new floodlighting, new fencing, new ball catch netting and reconfiguration of the existing car park, car park lighting and access improvements. The refurbishments will also include the replacement of the existing shale athletics pitch.

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"The new 3G pitch, adjacent to Laurelhill Community College will give local students access to a top quality sport facility on their doorstep, aiding physical exercise and future sporting development."

Chair of LCCC's Leisure and Community Development Committee, Cllr Aaron McIntyre, commented: "Plans for a 3G Pitch in Lough Moss are a welcome addition to the council area, not only for leisure and sport users, but also the wider public including local families who regularly utilise the outdoor facilities.

"The approved planning work will include the replacement of all existing weather Astroturf pitches, a new 3G Pitch, additional car parking spaces, floodlighting, fencing, ball catching netting, pedestrian and vehicle access gates, retaining walls and an access path.

"The installation of the new 3G pitches is an exciting addition and will be utilised by many talented athletes, young people and sports clubs. We look forward to welcoming local residents to these enhanced outdoor facilities."