New lighting system for Leiston FC's home ground approved
The new lights at Victory Road replace an old, failing lighting system
Last updated 12th Apr 2023
A football club has been given the go-ahead to get a new lighting system.
Improved lighting for Leiston Football Club’s Victory Road pitch was approved by East Suffolk Council today and will replace the club’s current failing system.
Modern LED lights will take the place of the current halogen floodlights, described as “not fit for purpose” in a report by council officers.
Alongside the installation of LED bulbs on lighting towers at the four corners of the pitch, two new towers with three lights each will be put up at the halfway lines.
Cllr Tony Goldson, who said he knows the area well, commented on the impact of the lights on nearby residents: “The existing lights are not a problem, and the new ones are so focused that they are far superior to the existing ones.”
Residential properties are situated at the north, east and south of the pitch.
East Suffolk Council’s environmental protection team previously expressed concerns about the impact of light pollution on neighbours, but modelling carried out afterwards showed acceptable lighting levels.
Screens will be added to two of the northern lamps to avoid light spill in that direction. Officers also expect the new bulbs will produce less spill than the halogen ones.
The only change to the times the lights can be on will be a later cut off at 10.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Lights are expected to be turned off this late during exceptional occasions only, such as when matches run longer than planned.
The latest turn off time will be 6pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and 6.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Leiston FC is hoping to replace the grass pitch with a third-generation, all-weather area. Three weeks ago, the club was £230,000 shy of its £650,000 target for the new pitch.
The club also has ambitions to rebuild the changing rooms and adapt the clubhouse at its Victory Road site.
Every member at today’s meeting of East Suffolk Council’s planning committee north voted in favour of approving the new lighting system.
Leiston FC has been approached for comment.