Telford football club given permission to keep floodlights on half an hour longer on weekday evenings

A Telford football club has been allowed to leave its floodlights on for half an hour longer on weekday evenings despite objections.

Dawley Town FC told planners it needed a previous 9.30pm restriction changed because if cup matches go to extra time they would have to switch the lights off.

The club at Quarry Place, Dawley, was previously given permission for the 15m ‘rise and lower’ lighting columns, with a condition that it must switch off the lights by 9.30pm.

Bosses had applied for permission to amend that condition.

One of four objectors to the application referred to alleged "dangerous parking, safety and nuisance issues" which were the subject of a complaint to the local council.

"The combination of increased lighting, additional activity, noise, people coming and going, and the existing dangerous parking problems could have a substantial effect on our ability to enjoy our home peacefully and safely."

Another objector wrote: "The issue is not simply the presence of floodlights, but the potential for the facility to be used more intensively and for longer periods than residents have previously experienced."

Michael Baker responded on behalf of the club, telling Telford & Wrekin Council planners that Dawley Town FC has an "ambitious but sustainable vision for the future of the club”.

It wants to provide opportunities for men, women, boys and girls to participate in football within their local area.

He added that modern LED lights would allow illumination to be focused on the playing area, "with careful consideration given to minimising unnecessary light spill towards neighbouring properties”.

He added: "Developing the club cannot come at the expense of the people who live nearby.

"A huge emphasis will therefore be placed on ensuring that local residents are not unnecessarily hindered or disrupted by increased activity at the ground."

The new committee at the club was looking at managing and policing parking and the introduction of dedicated matchday parking stewards.

"Where appropriate, the club would welcome ongoing dialogue with local residents so concerns can be raised directly and practical solutions developed.

"The intention is to establish a positive relationship between the football club and its neighbours rather than allowing matchday issues to become a source of frustration."

Planners concluded that permitting the club to keep the lights on for 30 minutes longer during weekdays in the darker months, to 10pm, would not materially add to issues.

Additionally it can only have them on until 8pm from April to September.

Planners say the restrictions are in the interest of bats, other local wildlife and the amenity of local residents.

"Officers are satisfied that the proposal would not result in any material increase in light spill, glare or visual intrusion beyond that already approved," officials wrote.