Calderdale model racetrack floodlight bid rejected
Proposals for floodlighting for a model race track at a sports ground have been rejected by planners.
It would be too intrusive on football pitches within the site, planners agreed, with an objection from Sport England key to their decision.
Model Race Track had sought permission from Calderdale Council to install lighting columns and low energy LED floodlighting at the sports ground at Stainland Road, Elland.
The Yorkshire Radio Controlled Model Car Racing Club has long been based on a track there, among other sports and users.
In a supporting statement with their application, Model Race Track argued the lighting would be a “significant asset” for the race track, enabling extended training hours for both adults and juniors.
It would also provide a high-quality multi-sport training area for the wider community, they said.
Planners agreed the development would not introduce a new or unrelated use to the site, but noted it is ancillary to its long-standing sporting function.
Sport England was concerned about the impact on sports pitches there.
Planning officers were told the lighting was to be installed within the playing field, including within areas that are currently laid out and have historically been used as formal football pitches.
Sport England initially objected and, after re-consultation, did not change their opinion that, in line with the body’s policy on playing fields, they oppose the granting of permission for any development which would lead to the loss of, or adversely affect, the use of all or any part of a playing field.
They said they would consider withdrawing their objection if a site plan could be provided showing the lighting on the periphery of the playing field, not in the centre, including showing football pitch line markings.
This had not been addressed, so they were maintaining their objection, said Sport England.
Planners noted that submitted details indicated the lighting columns would be positioned within the pitch area and associated safety run-off zones, rather than on the periphery of the field.
“As advised by Sport England, this would prejudice the use of the playing field by reducing its functionality, flexibility and sporting capacity, including the ability to safely accommodate and reconfigure pitches in accordance with national governing body guidance,” they said.
The application did not meet Sport England's criteria for exceptions to this rule, they said.