Plans to temporarily extend the hours of floodlighting at a cricket club are causing upset and division within a community.
Bowdon Cricket, Hockey and Tennis Club has requested an extension from Trafford Council’s planning department.
A decision is due to be made on Thursday (August 12).
The plan, subject to approval, is to temporarily extend the hours of use of floodlighting to between 9am and 9pm, Monday to Friday, for a period of a year.
But the plans aren’t going down well with all of the club’s neighbours.
More than 90 individual letters have already been sent to the council regarding the proposals – with many voicing their objections and others support for the plans.
Those against the extension fear light and noise pollution into the night.
One resident wrote: “I object to the plans on the grounds of further loss of amenity to local residents.
“The existing floodlights currently allow for training. The extension is a particular infringement on the amenity of local residents and is certainly unnecessary.”
Another said that the club’s continuing expansion has had a ‘progressively worsening impact’ on nearby residents.
But a large number of letters in favour of the plans were also received.
One nearby resident summed up the feeling by saying: “After all of the covid restrictions over the last year, simply getting out and playing with friends does wonders for the mental wellbeing of the juniors.
“Extending the lighting will mean even more youngsters can get involved and ultimately feel better.”
The benefit of outdoor exercise for the area’s children were highlighted in multiple letters received by the council, as well as the ‘positive impact’ the club has had on the community and nearby area over the years and particularly since covid restrictions began to ease.
Trafford council’s planning department will debate and decide on the proposals on Thursday August 12 from 6.30pm.
