MANCHESTER United is seeking planning permission to turn one of its car parks into an artificial football pitch.


Use of the 25x20 metre pitch will be limited to ticket-holders on match days, for a short period of time between visitors arriving at the Old Trafford ground and kick off.


If Trafford planning chiefs approve the application, the premier league club will be granted temporary planning permission permit for the Sir Matt Busby Way site, for five years.


The pitch will be enclosed by a three metre high rebound panel system fence, with one metre high netting above to prevent balls from escaping.


In its planning statement to the council, Paul Butler Associates – the planning agent acting on behalf of Trafford Council – stated the proposal would ‘improve the overall match day experience for visitors to the stadium’.


Manchester United is also seeking planning permission to erect a 2,975 sqm marquee for ancillary hospitality use within a different, existing car park to the west of the stadium, again for a temporary period of five years.


The 70x30 metre marquee would comprise a main room with tables and chairs to accommodate sit down meals, as well as two bars, two reception rooms, a kitchen and a bathroom.


Like the artificial pitch, use of the marquee would be limited to match days.


In its planning statement, Paul Butler Associates said: “The proposed change of use of land from a car park to the siting of a marquee will improve the hospitality offer at the stadium.”