Residents anger as club’s floodlights plan gets OK
PERMISSION has been given for a football club to put up 12 floodlights despite residents concerns it will lead to an increase in foul language.
Cheadle Heath Sports Club, based in Cheadle, has had its planning application for six 15m masts - each with two lights - approved by the council.
A Cheadle area committee meeting heard permission was vital for the club’s plans for its main football team to join the North West Counties League.
It is one of 20 clubs wanting one of 10 places and the ability to play matches at night would be a big advantage.
But four objections have been lodged by nearby residents, who are also worried about light pollution. One said: “Grandchildren sleep in the back bedroom where the lights would shine through. The lights would also shine through our lounge.
“The noise and language is bad enough now, so this would only increase into the evenings.”
Another said: “The extra light levels entering my property would disrupt my evening. Second, extending the hours of pitch use via floodlights would mean we have to endure loud shouting and the use of foul language late into the evening.
“It is something I already struggle to endure during daytime hours, never mind during the evening while trying to relax and unwind.”
Roy Welsh, chairman of trustees at the club, said it has a policy on bad language which it does as much as it can to enforce.
But this was difficult, particularly with away teams.
The club also has 50 junior players and 100 adult recreational players using its site, on Norbreck Avenue.
Mr Welsh said: “We feel we are becoming an increasing part of the community. The club is becoming like a village hall. If you get into that league (the North West Counties) you need floodlights, that is why we are applying for planning permission.”
Committee members agreed with planning officers and approved the application. It was said any ‘light spillage’ would be within reasonable levels.
There are already lights at the club for five-a-side football.
Councillor Iain Roberts said: “We have had these sort of applications before, where there are reasonable concerns from residents about light spillage. After they (floodlights) have gone in they seem to work fine.”