Flying fears Floodlights could have impact on bats in area, resident claims
AWORRIED resident fears bats that regularly fly around a playing field could have a serious problem if new floodlights are installed on it.
Prestbury Parish Council plans to start work shortly on a development on the village’s playing field, off Prestbury Road.
Its scheme to improve recreational facilities for the community includes having floodlights to light up a new multi-use games area at night.
But resident Dr James Horlock claims this could be very bad news for bats who he has often seen flying in the part of the field where the new lights will go.
He said the creatures, which are protected under UK law, take flight in that area in the early evenings from spring through to autumn and he has recorded video footage to prove it.
In an email to Cheltenham Borough Council, which has granted planning permission for the parish c o u n cil’s project, he said: “While I am fully aware that the time for objections to the construction of the lights in the field has passed, I am also aware that it would be a crime for lighting to be constructed which would negatively impact on those bats.”
He added: “Bats are nocturnal animals and artificial lighting is known to be a serious problem for them.
“In fact artificial lighting appears to be seen as the biggest concern when it comes to construction or development work of any type.”
The borough council responded by saying it had not been made aware of any important species or habitats at the site but would forward Dr Horlock’s concerns to the parish council so it could seek proper advice.
Dr Horlock said he had contacted the parish council but not had a response.
He added: “To clarify, we are not objecting to the construction of the new MUGA, despite the fact that this will be inconvenient to the residents.
“I don’t foresee a new MUGA itself seriously impacting the bats, though potentially relevant experts might disagree. “However, the proposed lighting will definitely impact the bats, in my opinion based on what I have read.” Parish council chairman John Payne said work on the playing field development had been due to start on Monday of last week but had been delayed until this week.
“It would last for about two months and the field would be unavailable for users during that time, he said.
He said he understood the concern about the bats but felt they would not be seriously disturbed by the new floodlights, which would be restricted LED ones that would have a controlled beam.
He added: “They will not be on after 9pm. There’s more likely to be interference with the bats’ flight path from street lights.
“The MUGA will be in a small area compared to the rest of the field. The impact on the bats will be minimal.”
The council’s plan for the revamp of the field’s facilities also includes having a football pitch, outdoor gym, a quarter-mile running track, a car park and improvements to an existing MUGA.
It will cost £200,000, using money from planning gain funds related to the Starvehall Farm housing development.
Mr Payne said: “It will really be an enhancement for the village, there’s no question about that.”
There’s more likely to be interference with the bats’ flight path from street lights John Payne