MELROSE is set for its second artificial sports pitch.

St Mary's School has tabled a bid for an all-weather facility just yards from the Greenyards 3G.

And it plans to provide an air-supported dome cover for the multi-use surface.

As well as offering a place to play football and hockey, the pitch would also be marked out with four tennis courts.

And changing facilities are planned at the site behind the Abbey Mill, so members of the public can use the facilities.

Headmaster Liam Harvey told the Border Telegraph: "The school is considering a number of options to improve the availability of sports facilities both for the school itself and the local community, particularly throughout the winter months.

"An air-supported dome is one of those options.

"The school recognises that any development will have an impact on local residents and we are consulting with neighbours to ensure concerns are heard before plans are finalised."

St Mary's School was established in 1895 and was originally an independent boarding prep school for boys.

Now it educates more than 180 pupils aged between two and 13.

If approved, they would be able to access the new facility from St Mary's Road, via the Orchard Grounds; while a new public entrance would be provided from Annay Road.

In a report, design consultants MAC Consulting (Scotland) highlighted the need to "minimise the visual impact" of the dome and said it would be a dark green colour to fit in with the surroundings.

A spokesperson added: "Where required tree planting will be undertaken in keeping with the existing linear arrangements around field boundaries to help hide the dome from higher elevations such as Eildon and Gattonside.

"A power unit is provided comprising of a continuously running ventilation equipment and associated switchboard housing the switches, relays and automatic controls. 

"This unit will be located to the west of the dome to mitigate against any noise impact to the neighbouring properties.

"This project is integral to the future development and success of St Mary’s School through improving and expanding the quality and range of its sporting facilities.

"It will enable pupils to enjoy a high quality and varied curriculum whilst offering the local community and sports teams a playing surface that is available for alternate sports and events throughout the year."