Chester-le-Street Town Football Club’s Moor Park on Union Lane has put forward proposals to replace its existing halide floodlighting system with a new LED raise-and-lower column system.
The planning application has been submitted by planning agent Louis Keeley of Labosport Ltd.
Current lighting system consists of eight 16-metre-high metal halide towers, each with two luminaires, making a total of 16 luminaires.
The proposed LED system would see eight new 15-metre-high raise-and-lower columns installed, with 12 LED lights configured in a pattern.
These new lights will be angled downward to reduce light spillage, something the club says will be a benefit for nearby residents.
A new LED system is also expected to consume up to 50 per cent less energy than the current system.
Other operational improvements include the elimination of warm-up or cool-down periods, and improved ease of maintenance with the new raise-and-lower column design.
The planning application considers national and local policies, including the National Planning Policy Framework sections on sustainable development, decision-making, and the natural environment, as well as Durham County Council’s policies on sustainable design and amenity and pollution.
The LED floodlights will be shielded to minimise glare and will automatically shut off at 10pm to comply with curfew guidelines.
It has also been reviewed by Sport England, whose policy requires the protection of playing fields.
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The application qualifies under exceptions since it does not reduce pitch capacity or impact sporting use.
If approved, a section of the club’s car park will be used temporarily for the storage of materials and equipment during the construction phase.
The construction is not expected to impact vehicular or pedestrian access and will not affect any new public roads or rights of way.
