Two arena mast lights at 16 Hancox Close, Weston under Wetherley

What was proposed

The application sought two mast lights for an existing horse riding arena, and was partly retrospective.

“16 Hancox Close, Weston under Wetherley, Royal Leamington Spa, CV33 9GD Erection of two mast lights to serve existing horse riding arena (part- retrospective). FOR [name withheld] ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------”

“Erection of two mast lights to serve existing horse riding arena (part- retrospective).”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The arena lies beside a small housing cluster, with open fields to the south and east and nearby homes to the west and north.

“The application site relates to a horse riding arena located on the edge of a small housing cluster within Weston under Wetherley. The arena is located to the south of the main built form grouping and features open fields to the south and east.”

“To the west of the site is a small field separating the development from an adjacent dwelling at approximately 43 metres. To the north lies the applicant's dwelling, as well as neighbouring dwellinghouses to the northwest and northeast, at approximately 23 metres and 33 metres respectively.”

Officer report

Earlier site history

Earlier permissions included a stable block, an outdoor riding arena for private use, residential development and housing changes.

“W/93/0653 - Residential development. - Withdrawn…”

“W/04/1124 - Construction of a 40 x 20 metre outdoor riding arena with surrounding timber fence for private use only. - Granted…”

Officer report

Officers recommended approval

Officers considered the lights appropriate for the established recreational use and compliant with relevant planning policies.

“Similarly to floodlighting for sports pitches, the proposed mast lights to allow for the use of the arena during the winter months where natural light quickly fades is considered an appropriate facility for use in conjunction with the established sport or recreational use. It must then be determined that the development would not conflict with the purposes of including land within the Green Belt.”

“It is therefore considered that the proposed development would represent the provision of appropriate facilities (in connection with the existing use of land or a change of use) for outdoor sport or recreation. It is also considered that the development would not conflict with the purposes of the Green Belt.”

Officer report

Lighting impacts were assessed

Amendments moved one light, changed the lighting equipment and provided an assessment showing acceptable effects subject to controls.

“Submission of a light impact assessment based on the new location of the southern light and the new light panels.”

“The result of the amended proposal is a light level which is compliant with the recommendations of the Institute of Lighting Professionals Guidance Note 01/21 (GN01/21) for the control of obtrusive light. On this basis, the proposed development is considered compliant with the applicable obtrusive light limits set out in ILP GN01/21 subject to luminaire specification, aiming, and other operational controls.”

Officer report

Consultees had limited objections

The parish council and highways raised no objection, while ecology supported the proposal subject to restricted seasonal and evening use.

“Weston Under Wetherley Parish Council: No objection:”

“WCC Ecology: No objection subject to condition limiting use to winter and only in early evening periods.”

Officer report

Residents raised concerns

Seven objections cited glare, light intrusion, residential amenity, highway safety and possible harm to wildlife.

“Highway safety hazard - glare • Light intrusion and loss of residential amenity • Existing light is not focused and spills into neighbouring dwellings and courtyards • Impact of lighting on local ecology, disturbing local wildlife and impacting movement, foraging, and navigation • Lighting assessment and ecological survey should be submitted • Lights should be strongly conditioned with respect to their location, direction, and hours of usage…”

Officer report

The decision

“Resolved W/25/1653 be granted, subject to the following conditions: No. Conditions (1) the development hereby permitted shall begin no later than three years from the date of this permission. Reason: To comply with Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended); (2) the development hereby permitted shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the details shown on the site location plan and approved drawings titled: • 'Post Mounted Arena Light Unit V2', and specification contained therein, submitted on 20/07/2026; and 97 • 'Location of lights in riding arena V3', and specification contained therein, submitted on 19/06/2026. Reason: For the avoidance of doubt and to secure a satisfactory form of development in accordance with Policies BE1 and BE3 of the Warwick District Local Plan 2011-2029; (3) the lights subject to thi”

Minutes, 16 Sept 2026