Not so jolly hockey sticks as school plans new pitch with floodlights 'near homes'

The school's plan to enhance facilities for the school and community teams is currently losing 33-0 to objections on the council's planning portal. The pitch would be measured 61m by 47m and be available for other uses, illuminated at night six 10m-tall (32ft) floodlights .

"Residents are extremely anxious and concerned that the tranquillity of their homes and gardens will be irrevocably removed," said Ann Matthews.

A whole host of reasons have been given by objectors concerned about the plans which include having six 10-metre-high slimline sports lighting columns which the school is proposing to use until 10pm.

Objector Mrs Isabel Smith is one of the 33 objectors and says that it is a "shockingly inappropriate and crass proposal" for a flood lit all hours Astro turf pitch.

"I think that if this project were presented to a class of environmentally aware Key Stage 2 pupils they would unanimously shout "Not in our names!"

Mrs Stephanie Kelly said: "Sports floodlighting could interfere with residents' enjoyment of their gardens and ability to sleep."

And Niall Kelly, added: "The proposed lighting will negatively impact the resident's use of their garden and potentially blight their property due to light pollution."

David and Francoise Evans say their "garden and our house would be effectively lit up whenever the pitch was in use", adding: "Directed lighting from 10-metre floodlights has a major impact."

And Richard Green says the floodlighting of the area will be a "gross intrusion into this tranquil setting.

"In winter months, when the trees are leafless, there will be a permanent lighting up of my garden whenever the facility is being used."

There are also concerns about an increase in traffic and property prices taking a hit.

Documents submitted to planners on behalf of the school say 10m high mounting heights provide the most efficient solution and the proposed masts will offer a slim-line profile, which will minimise daytime impact.

The applicants say the proposed floodlighting will be operated below the threshold for the location and "does not create an unacceptable impact by way of artificial lighting".

They add that "given the age groups catered for at the school (three to 13 years old), a full size synthetic pitch would not be justifiable,so that have come up with a smaller design.

"We consider the proposals will not create any excessive levels of overbearing or overshadowing impact and fence heights are appropriate for the intended activities

"It is accepted that whilst the height of the masts would result in features which are prominent within the site itself, they are vital to provide artificial lighting for the planned use of the facility after dusk.

"With the sports lighting columns being of a slimline design, it is not felt the columns will provide an unacceptable visual impact."