Locals say they can hear the shouting in every room in the house whenever the pitch is being used. A ban on the use of referees' whistles on a school's new £700k all-weather sports pitch has been lifted - and locals are not happy. Cornwallis Academy in Maidstone, Kent, was granted planning permission for its 3G pitch in 2023 on the basis that whistles would not be used during matches.
![[Cornwallis Academy Maidstone]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/21/12/3386479_72612e33_1024x1024.jpg)
The policy had been suggested by the school’s agent SSL when it first applied for planning permission in 2022. It was supposed to limit noise disturbance for neighbours and was subsequently made a condition of the planning approval granted in January 2023.
It was to apply only to after-school matches when the academy leases the pitch to clubs for private matches. However, residents have since complained weekly about both the use of shrill whistles and adults "effing and blinding" throughout the week and at weekends.
But despite ongoing complaints that they are unable to enjoy peace and quiet in their gardens and homes, planners at Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) have now lifted the previous ban on whistles - adding to the growing ire of locals. A decision was made at a meeting last week.
David Sanderson, who has lived on Salt’s Avenue - which backs onto the pitch - all his life and went to Cornwallis Academy as a child, said that though he’s disappointed by the decision, it was "to be expected". Salt’s Avenue in Maidstone - which backs onto the 3G pitch:.
