Local residents are concerned that an Oxfordshire rugby club’s new floodlights could be “invasive”.
Wallingford Rugby Club at Wallingford Sports Park and Social Club on Hithercroft Road is aiming to erect two 15m high floodlighting columns and install eight floodlight luminaires.
Four of these lights will be fitted to the new columns while the other four will be split between the original two columns.
The rugby club submitted a planning application to South Oxfordshire District Council on Wednesday, September 25.
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Several nearby Wallingford residents have expressed their concern over the plans, formally lodging objections.
Iain Clark, of Plantagenet Close, said: “The existing sports club flood lights are very visible, from Plantagenet Close and additional lights closer to us are likely to be more invasive.
“We currently have amazing views of the night sky despite the existing light pollution, it would be a great shame to lose that.”
David Overton, of Matildas Place, said: “I have no objection to the sports park wishing to make more use of its facilities as it is a valuable asset for the town.
“My objection is with the increase in general light pollution.
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“The light spillage results seem to indicate no spillage beyond the immediate vicinity of the pitch but the proposed floodlights shown are flat panels with no hood or shield to prevent spillage.
“The existing lights appear to have hoods but are still very bright from a distance.”
Edward Jones also of Matildas Place said: “Currently the floodlights in use at this sports complex are extremely bright, but these existed before the housing estate [so] no complaints there.
“The proposal to erect and use floodlights within the housing estate's border, in direct eye line of residential properties would be highly intrusive and we object to this proposal.”
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Wallingford Sports Park disagrees with claims that the new floodlights would be invasive and instead argue that they are a necessity.
A spokesperson for the location said: “Due to the growing demand for use of the sports park facilities in the evenings, particularly for rugby youth, women and touch teams, there are limited floodlit areas suitable for training and playing field sports, hence the need to provide an additional two floodlights next to the existing floodlit pitch to expand the available evening playing area.
“Current floodlight technology minimises the escape of light outside the area to be lit, and consequently the impact of the additional two sets of lights we believe would not be invasive.
“They are just a limited extension to the existing floodlights, in an area on the edge of the town away from the populated areas and would enhance the provision of sport and recreation in the town and surrounding area.”
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The consultation period began on Monday, September 30 and will end on Wednesday, November 20 with a final decision expected on the same day.
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