Overflow car park lighting at Public Open Space Sutton Lawn Park, Sutton in Ashfield

Summary of planning committee decision

Decided by Ashfield Planning Committee on 23 Jul 2025.

V/2025/0218Approved

What was proposed

The application sought three six-metre LED lighting columns for the previously approved overflow car park.

“The Application This is a full application for External Lighting to Overflow Car Park which was previously approved under V/2024/0156. The scheme will see the placement of 3 lighting columns 6m height and with a steel finish and LED fixtures.”

Officer report

The site

The site forms part of Sutton Lawn, a formal open space within the main urban area, and the lighting supports wider site improvements.

“The application site is located within the main urban area (Policy ST2 of ALPR) where the principle of development is acceptable. The application site is part and parcel of Sutton Lawn, designated Formal Open Space (Policy RC3 of ALPR). Policy RC3 identifies that development which will lead to the loss of formal open space will only be permitted where:”

“The proposal will see the placement of 3 lighting columns on the overflow carpark which is being developed as part of a wider scheme of improvements at the site. The creation of a Sports Hub at Sutton Lawn is one of the projects awarded funding and to be delivered through the Towns Fund / Future High Streets Programmes.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier applications covered sports facilities, pitches, floodlights, changing rooms, car parking, access works and related details at the site.

“V/2010/0180 - Outline Application for i) New Academy comprising Buildings, Service Areas, Open Air Social Areas, Car Parking, Landscaping and Related Infrastructure ii) Re-Engineered Grass Sports Pitches - Reg 3 NCC Application - Objection.”

“V/2024/0379 - Removal of 1no. 3G artificial grass pitches and creation of 2no. 3G artificial grass pitches with perimeter fencing, hardstanding areas, storage containers, floodlights, access footpaths and overflow car park – FULCC”

Officer report

Officers recommended approval

Officers recommended permission because the lighting would improve usability, cause little visual change and avoid harm to neighbouring amenity.

“The proposed development seeks permission for the siting of 3 lighting columns and fixtures on the previously approved overflow car park and as a result will improve the usability of the site.”

“The proposal is considered to result in little visual change to the character and appearance of the area, and as such, would result in no adverse impact on the amenity of neighbouring properties.”

Officer report

Residents' concerns

Two residents objected that lighting could encourage antisocial behaviour, extend use and harm biodiversity and wildlife through light pollution.

“Residents: Two comments have been received objecting to the proposal on the grounds that the external lighting will encourage antisocial activities and extend the hours of use. As well as the impact of light pollution on the biodiversity and wildlife in the park.”

Officer report

Main planning effects

Officers considered the proposal acceptable for visual amenity, heritage, residential amenity, highway safety, ecology and sustainability, with lights off overnight.

“As regard to character and appearance, the proposed development comprises of 3 LED light fittings and columns. The fittings will project a direct photometric to the desired areas, eradicating any direct upward light or light spill. Overall, it is considered that the proposed development would result in little visual change and as such would not cause detrimental harm to the visual amenity of the locality.”

“Highway Safety The Highway Authority have been consulted and have raised no concerns. The proposed lighting is situated a significant distance from the nearest adopted highway and will not therefore have any effect on highway safety.”

Officer report

Conditions proposed

The recommended conditions covered commencement, approved plans, materials, ecological and lighting details, and switching the lights off from 22:00 to 08:00.

“This permission shall be read in accordance with the following plans: • Site Location Plan (Dwg No. 23015-00-008_P2) received 07/04/2025. • Proposed Floor Plans and Elevations (Dwg no. 2406016MHBB) received 26/06/2025. • Proposed Column Details (Dwg no. 6Mo1A) received 20/05/2025.”

“The materials and finishes to be used for the proposed lighting shall match those outlined in the submitted details.”

Officer report

The committee vote

A motion was moved and seconded to grant conditional consent in accordance with the officer recommendation.

“It was moved and seconded that conditional consent be granted, as per the officer’s recommendation contained in the report.”

Minutes

Sources

  • Ashfield Planning Committee minutes, 23 July 2025
  • Agenda and papers (council website)

Source: Plota analysis of Ashfield's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.

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At the meeting

Council
Ashfield
Date
Wednesday 23 July 2025
Recommendation
Officers recommended approval
Committee decided
Approved
Minutes
The council's minutes
Meeting
Agenda and papers (council website)
Application
The application (council website)

This committee's year

5 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting.

Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.

Every decision by this council's committees →