Crieff residents believe a planned all-weather pitch at Morrison’s Academy will become swamped by sewage.
The school is seeking to build two new synthetic grass pitches on the existing playing fields at Dallerie.
The proposed development is intended as the first phase of a new sports centre project to move all school physical education to the site.
It has received planning permission in principle but the council has received 19 objections. Residents claim heavy rain floods the area and overloads a nearby sewerage system, with the resulting mess covering sections planned for the new pitches.
Gordon Dye said: “Morrison’s, to a certain extent, would appear to be the architect of their own misfortunes, as back in 2000/2001 they closed off and filled in the old lade below this point, even although it was not on their property.
“I certainly would not allow any children to play on this immediate area unless and until the sewage problem was sorted, which surely should be the priority for all concerned.”
Craig Stewart said: “I am very concerned that the proposed drainage facilities for these pitches will not address this existing flooding issue and nothing Morrison’s can do will address the inadequate sewer pipe issue.
“Therefore I have a health and safety concern for children using these pitches, as they will undoubtedly become contaminated.”
Scottish Environment Protection Agency senior planning officer Diarmuid O’Connor said it has come to Sepa’s attention that the planned area for the pitches is subjected to sewer flooding. He said: “The council should consider the health risk implications associated with this source of flooding.”
Crieff Community Council welcomed the proposal but has raised concerns over vehicle access.
In a report prepared for Morrison’s Academy, planning consultant Mary Sheehan said it was envisaged that construction works would begin in the autumn and be completed next spring.
She said: “The proposed hockey pitches will be served by a new, sub-surface pipe drainage system, to which all existing fields will be connected.”
A decision on the application is expected next month.