A tennis club in Middleton has got permision to push ahead with plans for controversial new floodlights.
Alkrington Tennis and Social Club has been at odds with neighbours over their proposal for eight new 7m high floodlights – for two more courts.
The Uplands sports club wants to increase capacity for court use during the darker months, but residents living in the houses backing onto the courts are concerned about light disturbance.
One objector, speaking at the latest town hall meeting, said: “We have never complained about the issues we have had. This now, having these other lights, takes it one step too far, we are still a residential estate.
“We feel somewhere a line has to be drawn and these lights are one step too far for us.”
Coun Patricia Dale, speaking to Rochdale Council’s planning committee, added that the current light pollution has been disturbing the sleep of neighbours as well as the local wildlife.
The South Middleton councillor wanted to make sure the problem of excessive light from the courts would be mitigated.
According to the club, the foodlights will beam onto the courts and have little impact on the houses surrounding the site.
Despite this, club chairman Scott Russum agreed to a lights cut off at 9pm to lessen the impact on neighbours. He said they need the new floodlights so they can continue to grow their membership and offer more tennis courts in the winter months.
He added: “We want to futureproof the club with this, we are certainly not trying to disturb neighbours, which is why we have agreed to the curfew for the lights.”
Coun Billy Sheerin summed up the issue councillors were voting on by saying ‘it’s good to get people living healthier lives but then people are being disturbed by lights, which is not good’.
The proposal was approved by a majority decision, meaning the floodlights will be built.
Council to begin enforcement action at Primrose Hill Farm in Heywood
Green light for new gym at former Queensway car dealership
Eleven students secure Oxford and Cambridge offers
Bury’s young voters elect new Youth MP after strong turnout
EXCLUSIVE: Silenced mother’s own FOI reveals nearly £11 million paid out for maternity harm at hospital where she says she was assaulted during childbirth
Running from Rochdale to London in memory of hospice care that supported a family’s darkest days
Locked out in the cold as Rochdale Train Station staff didn't turn up to unlock the gates
Greenmount jumble sale buyer appeals to return unexpected sex toy found in donated bag
New private diagnostic centre opens at Rochdale AFC ground
Romance takes centre stage at The Rock in Bury
Food drive to support FRGS Hub pantry set for Saturday at Bury FC
United Utilities to host online recruitment event as wastewater hiring drive continues
Comments
Add a comment