County Durham objectors fear new floodlights will obstruct view of picturesque castle
The installation of a new floodlighting system at a sports complex has been approved despite concerns it will obscure a view of a picturesque castle.
A refurbishment of the Riverside, Chester-le-Street facilities will see the replacement of the existing floodlighting system with new 18m and 12m high LED lights, 6m taller than those currently around the athletics track and football pitch.
Durham County Council said the changes were needed to meet the Football Association’s (FA) required lighting standard for midfield football.
But objectors at nearby properties said the new lights will lead to an increase in noise, disruption and antisocial behavior.
Some residents also worry that the lights and their tall pillars will block the view of Lumley Castle.
Lumley Castle is a picturesque local landmark nearby (Image: PA)
But council officials said they believed a replacement lighting system would not result in an increase in crime and that the landscape and visual effects resulting from the proposed changes would not be significant.
A planning report from the council added: “The proposal will not unduly reduce the prominence of the castles, degrade the visual quality of views or cumulatively increase existing impacts. The overall impact would be small and not at a level that would harm the heritage environment.”
A total of 47 letters of objection and 41 letters of support were received from 117 notifications to neighboring properties.
In support, residents said the new floodlights are more energy efficient, cause less light pollution and encourage exercise among young children.
The floodlights are mainly used in the autumn and winter months between 2:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
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The report added: “Officials are satisfied that the illuminance levels and proposed usage times would not result in unacceptable impacts on the quality of life or ecological interests in the wider area.”
The application was approved by city councilors at a planning meeting.
The permit paves the way for a renovation of the Riverside Leisure Complex that includes two new 3G playing fields, a renovation of the athletics track and general renovations to the pavilion as part of Durham County Council’s recreation transformation program.
This is what the new 3G seats could look like (Image: The Northern Echo)
