Shropshire secondary school applies for 12m floodlights for sports pitch

A county secondary school could get fresh floodlights for its sports pitch - if council planners agree.

The 3-18 Educational Trust has applied to Shropshire Council for permission to add the lights to the pitch at William Brookes School in Much Wenlock.

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The new lights would also provide a boost to Much Wenlock Leisure Centre, which is based at the school and was saved last year after closure fears.

A design and access statement submitted with the application details plans for six 12-metre high floodlight columns, with LED head units on the top.

It is proposed that the new lights would be able to operate between 9am and 9pm on weekdays and from 9am to 6pm on weekends if required.

The new lights would represent the latest investment in facilities at the centre.

A document prepared by surfacing specialists Notts Sport explains that the lights would help provide opportunities for pupils in darker winter months, while also boosting the potential for hiring the pitch out.

It states: “The subject site is William Brookes School, located under 1km northeast of Much Wenlock town centre. The site provides education to young adults from the ages of 11 through to 16, offering a wealth of resources and support to its students.

“Elsewhere on site is the Much Wenlock Leisure Centre, offering a range of fitness and wellbeing provisions to the local community.

“The site is well-secured by mesh perimeter fencing with soft landscaping which largely screens it from onlookers.

“The school has developed a strong network of buildings and external facilities over the years, instrumental in supporting its diverse educational needs.

“Despite these provisions, the school has identified an opportunity to enhance its facilities in response to growing demands from its pupils, for safe play in winter months, and from the wider community, in response to hire enquiries.

“In particular, the school has identified the potential benefits of installing LED lights in connection with the existing all-weather pitch.

“Further, the school sought to maintain community use of the Much Wenlock Leisure Centre despite recent threats of potential closure.

“The school, as part of 3-18 Education Trust, are keen to utilise floodlights to extend and improve the opportunities for outdoor community use of the existing pitch.

“This will contribute to the sustainable finance of the pitch itself, given the need for ongoing maintenance, and indeed the general site.

“Recognising that residential properties surround parts of the site, external specialists were appointed to conduct robust surveys/assessments to duly consider potential impacts from the proposals, namely those from noise and lighting.

“A public consultation event was later held at the site to hear feedback from nearby residents/occupiers. These steps have informed the proposed design and hours of operation associated with the proposals.”

A decision on the plans will be taken at a later date.