Councillors have delayed Bournemouth Electric Club’s artificial pitch plans after concerns were raised over floodlights, drainage and the effect on nearby homes in Broadway Lane. A Bournemouth football pitch plan has been delayed while councillors examine lighting and drainage concerns. Bournemouth Electric Club wants to replace its grass pitch at Broadway Lane with an artificial surface, perimeter fencing and eight floodlight columns of 15 metres. The application received 77 objections and 149 comments of support. Supporters said the scheme would provide a reliable, year round facility, he
A Bournemouth football pitch plan has been delayed while councillors examine lighting and drainage concerns.
Bournemouth Electric Club wants to replace its grass pitch at Broadway Lane with an artificial surface, perimeter fencing and eight floodlight columns of 15 metres. The application received 77 objections and 149 comments of support.
Supporters said the scheme would provide a reliable, year round facility, help meet rising demand for girls’ football and allow winter training for a club with more than 500 registered children. Planning officers said the columns would affect nearby homes.
The homes around the ground are generally two storeys high, so the columns would rise about seven metres above them. Officers said the lighting was designed to reduce overspill, but the remaining light spill and visual impact were unacceptable.
At the eastern planning committee on Tuesday, members heard 15 metres was the lowest height able to support the men’s team’s progress to a higher Football Association level. Officers said drainage information submitted late on Monday had not been fully assessed.
Councillor Patrick Canavan backed deferral, saying: “The nature of sport is changing.” A refusal motion was defeated by four votes to three, with one abstention, before members unanimously deferred it.
