Whitby Tennis Court Floodlights Set for Approval

Thursday, 7 September 2023 17:04

By Anttoni James Numminen, Local Democracy Reporter

Whitby’s West Cliff Tennis Courts could see the installation of 12 new floodlights despite concerns about light pollution impacting neighbouring properties.

Councillors on the Scarborough and Whitby area planning committee have been asked to approve a planning application for six floodlights mounted on both courts at Whitby Tennis Courts.

The planning meeting, on Thursday, September 14, has been recommended to approve the application which was submitted by North Yorkshire Council.

The proposed LED floodlights would be mounted on heavy-duty tubular steel posts measuring 6.1 metres in height and are set to be positioned on the outer section of the courts.

No objections were raised by the Highway Authority and Whitby Town Council said it was in favour if the lights were switched off at 9pm.

However, objections have been raised by members of the public owing to concerns that the lights would be “intrusive” to neighbouring properties as well as having a “detrimental effect” on the habitat of bats in the vicinity.

In a letter to the council, Michael Stones said:

“Such floodlights would be inevitably intrusive to all residences backing onto Tucker’s Field only a few yards away and directly impact upon our quality of life.

“In addition, this is an area where bats live and such lighting would undoubtedly have a detrimental effect on their habitat.”

Another affected neighbour, Stephen Hartley, said:

“I have lived at this address for the last 40 years and recall when it was used as a thriving tennis club with a clubhouse – there has never been a need for flood lighting at this location.

“I cannot imagine there being no light spillage while my grandchildren are trying to sleep.”

However, whilst the council’s environmental health officer did not object in principle, the officer noted that

“the technical lighting report shows high luminance levels concentrated in the centre of each tennis court with levels falling towards the periphery”.

The officer stated that it was “essential that the installation and positioning of the lights be carried out in accordance with the report”, adding that consideration should be given to minimising “the impact of light on these properties and so as not to cause a statutory light nuisance”.

A report prepared for the meeting by planning officers concedes that “certain residents would incur some impact in terms of light spill” but states that this would be “relatively minimal” and would be focussed towards the rear boundaries and gardens.

The plan has been recommended for approval and will be discussed at the planning meeting on Thursday, September 14

Did you find this article useful?

This is the Coast is committed to providing a daily local news service for the Yorkshire Coast. We are a small locally owned and operated business which employs professional journalists and reporters. We do not receive any public funding or grants and we are entirely funded by our local commercial operations. We enjoy fabulous support from local businesses who work with us on their advertising and marketing campaigns, but the cost of providing high quality, well researched, fact checked local news coverage is significant.

If you appreciate what This is the Coast does, and would like to help support our journalism, please consider supporting us on a monthly basis today.

A small contribution from all our readers would really help support independent journalism for the Yorkshire Coast.

More from Yorkshire Coast News

Deputy Mayor- We Need Flood Funding for North Yorkshire

The high-ranking council official and colleagues in the fire service have been speaking to MPs to assist the county.
North Yorkshire Police To Expand Right Care Right Person Plan

North Yorkshire Police are expanding their right care right person initiative.
Scarborough Athletic Beaten at Promotion Chasers

Boro lost out at Scunthorpe, despite Harry Green's goal.
Whitby Town Win Six Pointer To Exit Bottom Four

The Blues gave themselves breathing space thanks to goals from Aaron Haswell and their midweek signing from Scarborough.
Yorkshire Coast Rugby- Scarborough Miss Opportunity

Scarborough RUFC suffered a rare loss on Saturday, but their nearest rivals in North East 2 were also beaten.
Brid Town Beaten In Thriller

The Seasiders remain in relegation trouble after a 3-2 loss in the North East.
Pickering Town March On After Fourth Win In Five

The Pikes are in great form and remain in contention for a play-off place.
North Yorkshire's "Most Difficult" Budget Approved

Councillors have approved North Yorkshire Council's budget for the next year which will see the maximum 4.99% increase to council tax bills.
New Site Proposed for Scalby School

Plans for a land deal with the Government to rebuild a Scarborough secondary school that was affected by crumbling concrete are set to be discussed.
Scarborough Sex Offender Jailed After Targeting Children Online

A Scarborough man who targeted children through social media for sexual gratification has been jailed.
Scarborough and Whitby Planners Approve Delay to High Mill Bridge Construction

The Scarborough and Whitby Area Planning Committee has approved an amendment to the planning permission for the High Mill development, allowing a delay in the construction of a pedestrian and cycle bridge over Scalby Beck.
New Dementia Support Services Coming to Scarborough

Dementia Forward has announced plans for new dementia support initiatives in the Scarborough area.