0301442FUL-EpsomandEwellBoroughCouncil.docVIP

Sutton and Epsom Rugby Club, Rugby Lane, Cheam Erection of 6 x 13m high floodlight columns and floodlights to 4 rugby pitches, to match level lighting standards. (Plans) NONSUCH 29.03.04 RECOMMENDATION Refuse on the following grounds: (1) The proposed floodlights by reason of their height and location, would result in unacceptably high levels of stray light and sky glow which would be intrusive in the outlook of and detrimental to the visual amenities of surrounding properties, particularly on Harefield Avenue, Hays Walk and Northey Avenue. The proposals would thus conflict with Policies DC1 and DC4 of the Epsom and Ewell District Wide Local Plan 2000. (2) The proposal would adversely affect the amenities of neighbouring residential properties because of the noise and general disturbance resulting from the increased use of the rugby pitch during the evenings. The proposals would thus conflict with Policy DC1 of the Epsom and Ewell District Wide Local Plan 2000. Summary A previous proposal for eight 16m high floodlights to light the same rugby pitch was refused in 1998 on the grounds that it was considered that there would be unacceptably high levels of stray light and sky glow for the residential properties that surround the ground. The current proposal is for six 13m high floodlights to light the same pitch. Although they are less in number and in height it is judged that the floodlights would again harm residential amenity due to stray light and sky glow and there has been no other change in the circumstances since 1998 to enable permission to be granted. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Site and Surroundings The rugby ground consists of 2 pitches with a clubhouse at the northern end of the ground and a spectator stand at the side of the southern pitch. Vehicular access is from Rugby Lane, off Nonsuch Walk, Cheam Road. There is existing floodlighting of the northern pitch. This takes the form of 8 No. 9m high steel poles, four each side of the pitch and each