Eight floodlight columns at Llwydcoed Welfare Ground, Llwydcoed, Aberdare

What was proposed

The application sought eight 15-metre floodlighting columns around an existing football pitch, with two LED lights on each column.

“It is proposed that the columns would be erected at regular intervals around the perimeter of the football pitch (four on each side of the touchline) and would be to a height of 15m, each supporting two LED floodlights which would be capable of maintaining an average lighting level of 250 lux.”

Officer report

The site and its history

The established sports ground has a football pitch, spectator stand, dugouts, car park, community building and nearby homes, with earlier facilities approved.

“The application site forms an established sports ground within the village of Llwydcoed, Aberdare. It currently hosts the local amateur football club, AFC Llwydcoed, and comprises a football pitch with an associated spectator stand and dugouts along the southern touchline.”

“The entire site is enclosed with Weldmesh fencing all around, with a band of mature trees located along the south-eastern and north-eastern boundaries. An associated car park is located to the south-western side of the pitch where a club house/changing room/community building is sited. Access is gained off Merthyr Road to the north-west, which forms the main highway through the village.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal supported the sports facility and was acceptable in terms of appearance, residential amenity, highways and ecology.

“The principle of the proposal is considered to be in accordance with National Planning Policy, which supports the retention and enhancement of existing sports and recreational facilities.”

“Furthermore, the proposal is considered acceptable in terms of its impact upon the character and appearance of the area, the amenities of neighbouring residents, highway safety and ecology considerations and therefore accords with Policies AW5, AW6, AW8 and AW10 of the Local Development Plan…”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways, public health, biodiversity, water and flood-risk consultees raised no objection, with conditions recommended by some consultees.

“Public Health and Protection: No objection, subject to condition.”

“Dwr Cymru: No objection, conditions recommended.”

Officer report

What people objected to

Three objections concerned light pollution, highway safety, appearance, noise, traffic, drainage, property values and environmental or wildlife effects.

“APPLICATION NUMBER – 25/0598/FUL REPORT The application has been advertised by means of direct neighbour notification and the erection of site notices. Three letters of objection have been received as a result of this exercise which are summarised as follows:”

“Light pollution from overspill; • Highway safety concerns; • The floodlights would be an eyesore; • Raised noise levels, due to the increased use of the football field, including crowd noise, whistles and cars arriving and leaving after dark; • De-valuation of neighbouring properties; • Increase in the volume of traffic using the area and the on-site car park; • Drainage issues; • Environmental and wildlife concerns.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant addressed the committee for five minutes.

The committee decision

The committee approved the application in line with the officer recommendation, subject to changing the wording of Condition 3.

“The Head of Planning presented the application to Committee and following consideration it was RESOLVED to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation of the Director, Prosperity and Development subject to the amendment to Condition 3 to remove the word ‘and’ so that it will be as follows:”

“The floodlighting herby approved, shall only be illuminated when the football field is in use for matches or training between the following times: Mondays to Fridays: 16:00 hours to 21:30 hours Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays: 16:00 hours to 19:00 hours…”

Minutes