17 March 2008 · Senior Planning Officer (delegated under Article 3(13) of Town and Country (Development Procedure) Order 2005), signed by M. I. McCauley, Director of Planning and Building Control. Appeal refusal conf
Port Erin Bowling Club Breagle Glen, St Marys Road, Port Erin, Isle Of Man, IM9 6jj
The proposal sought permission to retain four new 8m high permanent floodlight posts, each with a single 1kW lamp (replacing previous demountable lights with dual lamps), at the bowling green in Breagle Glen recreation area, adjacent to residential properties on Sunnydale Avenue.
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The officer assessed that the new lights created unreasonable light pollution to adjoining properties (Nos. 27 and 28 Sunnydale Avenue), with site visits showing bright illumination inside living room…
Do not oppose
withdraw opposition after viewing adjusted lights; hope for further shading on light to No. 28 garden
Port Erin Commissioners repeatedly objected to the retention of new floodlights at Breagle Glen Bowling Green due to unacceptable light pollution affecting neighbouring properties; individual residents also submitted objections supporting this position.
Key concern: unacceptable level of light pollution which is intrusive and considered as unneighbourly development
Port Erin Commissioners
Objectionthe light from the floodlights give off an unacceptable level of light pollution which is intrusive and is considered as unneighbourly development; This decision is without prejudice to a further application showing adequate shading, which is acceptable to the residents, on the lights on the east side and the light in the northwest corner; the Commissioners are not opposed to the erection of floodlights per se but any proposal should not have an adverse effect on the adjoining property owners
The original application 07/00694/R for retention of replacement floodlighting (single 1kW units on 8m poles) was refused by the Department of Local Government and the Environment on 14 March 2008, primarily due to light pollution and conflict with prior conditions requiring seasonal removal. The appellant argued the new lights were more efficient, halved total wattage, included shading, were used limitedly for league matches April-September, and supported healthy recreation, citing DEFRA guidance. The Council defended the refusal citing ongoing unacceptable light pollution to Nos. 27 and 28 Sunnydale Avenue and visual issues from permanent masts. The inspector, after a public inquiry and site visits (including evening observation), found the lights caused unacceptable nuisance to residents' living conditions and the posts were visually intrusive, outweighing benefits to the club. The appeal was dismissed on 31 July 2008, with direction to remove all posts by 2 October 2008.
Precedent Value
Appeals for sports floodlights near residences require detailed pre-installation light spill modelling, narrow-beam/low-lux designs, and seasonal controls; inspector's evening observations critical, outweighing community benefits if neighbour amenity significantly harmed.
Inspector: John S Turner
