Residents' reaction to football floodlights

The proposal to put up six 15 metre masts with four lights on each was given the nod by the planning committee in spite of 22 letters of objection.

Now residents whose property backs onto the public land are dismayed by this latest move by Little Common football club which they claim is "a step too far".

They are concerned about possible noise and light overspill from evening matches, disturbance from spectators shouting during play, and lack of parking on Peartree Lane.

Keith Hoare of Eastergate told the Observer in addition he was "very disappointed" having received a letter from RDC chief executive Derek Stevens which appeared supportive of their concerns.

Mr Stephens wrote: "I can tell you that the officer recommendation in respect of this application is to refuse full planning consent, on the grounds that the floodlights would intensify the use of the football pitch, would result in increased noise and general disturbance detrimental to the amenities of neighbouring properties. Clearly it remains to be seen whether or not the Planning Committee supports this recommendation."

Keith received this letter the week before the planning committee meeting and circulated it to others who then felt encouraged that permission for the floodlights might be refused.

However Keith noted a couple of days before the planning meeting on Thursday January 21 that support for the proposal was posted by Rother's technical services officer Alwyn Roebuck, from both the council sport's development officer (Adrian Gaylon), and the amenities division headed by Madeleine Gorman.

He said that he and other residents were "very disappointed" and felt "let down by the Council."

Certain limitations and conditions were placed on the use of the floodlights but their concern is now whether or not these will be enforced.

Keith commented: "As one of my neighbours stated, if this is democracy then no wonder people have a low opinion and lack of interest of local politics.

"Many people feel this was a done deal and knew that it would be passed simply on the basis that as other grounds have them, why not Little Common, with total disregard to local conditions.

"When they put the drainage in last year, it was noted that piping was laid each side of the pitch which it is now apparent for the cabling to be laid for the lights.

"The Council can see that a large number of people are upset about the way the Football Club conducts itself, so as the landlord why have they not called a meeting of local residents plus the police to address some of the issues?

"The final point is that everyone quotes what the Football Association require for grounds - interestingly it covers a whole range of conditions, and it does state that whilst temporary fencing is OK, ideally a football club should have permanent fencing around the ground.

"Is that the next step? I would be interested in the Councils view about that."

Little Common football club chairman Ken Cherry has maintained throughout that he has no intention of causing problems for local residents.

He commented this week: "The club is going to organise a meeting at the clubhouse to let everybody have their say.

"A lot of stuff that has come back to us is not relevant and we want to get on with local residents. We don't want to be awkward at all. At the end of the day we all have to live in the same area so it is pointless being awkward with one another. If there is anything we can do to help one another we will do it.

"We have had a talk with the police and they want to be involved, and I hope the council will as well, then local residents can come and have their say and ask any questions they like. We want to get on with them. If they want to talk to me they can, I will talk to anybody."