Hockey pitch floodlights at Saffron Walden County High School, Saffron Walden

“The applicant seeks planning permission for the proposed installation of LED floodlights at the existing hockey pitch within the grounds of Saffron Walden County High School. The lighting proposals include 6no. 14 metre high lighting columns with 18no. pitch-facing lights attached.”

“The proposed lighting solution seeks to support the use of the hockey pitch and to allow the facility to meet the standards set by England Hockey, Sport England, and the FIH for Class I club-level competition.”

“The application relates to the existing hockey pitch at Saffron Walden County High School, located off Audley End Road, Saffron Walden. The hockey pitch is located the south-west of the main school building and falls within the development limits of the town where Policy S1 applies.”

“Construction of synthetic hockey pitch with 3 m and 4 m high fencing and eight 16.75 m high floodlights APPROVED 05/03/1998”

“No ecological objection subject to attached conditions. Place Services (Ecology) consultee response can be found in Appendix 1 of this report.”

“No Objections. MAG Aerodrome Safeguarding Team consultee response can be found in Appendix 2 of this report.”

“There are five letters of objections for this application. Their comments are summarised as follows: - Light pollution - Impact on wildlife…”

“- Lux levels are higher than the normal standard for playing fields - Commercial purposes - No demand or need for the lights - Noise pollution - Increased traffic movements to the hockey pitch - Negative impact on neighbours amenities - Planning precedent at the site to refuse floodlighting - The floodlights are too high - They should not be used outside of school hours…”

“In response to questions from Members, Officers made the following comments: • The original use of the pitch was restricted to weekdays, 9am to 8pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm and no use on Sunday or Bank Holidays. This application proposed the same restrictions for the lighting. • This would enable the use of the pitch in the winter months up to the hours that had already been deemed as acceptable within the original condition.”

“Members discussed: • The effect of the lights on surrounding houses.”

“Councillor Church proposed approval of the application. This was seconded by Councillor Bagnall.”

“RESOLVED that the Strategic Director of Planning be authorised to grant permission for the application including the change of wording to condition 5.”