News

FLOODLIGHT PLANS SUBMITTED

29 October 2014

Gloucestershire County Cricket Club submitted its planning application to Bristol City Council in October 2014 and since then the Club has met regularly with local residents, community groups and nearby neighbours about its plans to install floodlights at the Bristol County Ground.  To view the application online click here.

Where possible, the Club has made important changes to the plans in response to a number of concerns that were raised during the consultation process.  These changes are described below, along with further information about the plan:

Position of columns
The position of the columns has been designed to ensure the light level on the pitch meets the English and Wales Cricket Board and International Cricket Council requirements for hosting International cricket.  Two columns were of particular concern to our neighbours, one column adjacent to Kennington Avenue and the other column just to the north of the new block of flats on the ground.  These have been moved as much as possible to take account of comments from our neighbours and the spacing of the lights around the ground.

Height and number of columns
Some neighbours wanted to know why we needed this many columns at this height.  The reason for the height and number is to ensure the light is targeted on the pitch and, to reduce light spill, the height of 45m needs to remain fixed.  If the height was reduced the light projection would be “flatter” increasing the risk of light spill and glare into neighbouring homes.

If we were to reduce the number of columns, they would need to produce light at a higher intensity causing more disruption for neighbours.  We believe that this is the best solution in terms of causing minimal light spillage on to neighbouring properties whilst providing a high quality of light on the surface of the playing area.

Some neighbours also asked about using retractable lighting columns, so that they could be lowered outside of the cricket season.  We have considered this option but there are several reasons why these would not be possible or appropriate:

• Once retracted, the columns would at minimum still be around the height of the new apartments.  Bringing the head of the floodlights lower to the ground would block far more views and light for neighbours than the column alone.
• While it is possible to remove the head of the floodlights, this could only be done outside of the cricket season, so when retracted the lighting heads would be at the height of neighbours’ windows throughout the summer.
• Retractable lights are significantly more expensive and beyond the means of the Club to purchase.  Even if it were financially possible, the Club still believes that it would not be a better option given the issues outlined above.

Number and times of operation
Initially we expected that the lights would be in operation until around 11.45 pm although at a dimmed level from 11.00 pm.  Some neighbours were very concerned about how late they would remain lit, so we have confirmed that they will be dimmed from 10.15 pm and turned off by 11.00 pm.

Another concern was the number of times the lights could be used each year, as some thought the Club could start using the floodlights for events other than cricket.  In order to address this concern, the Club will commit through planning conditions that the lights will only be used for cricket and, if appropriate, the number of uses can also be controlled by condition.  These changes have been well received by local people and groups, as it addresses several key concerns.

Stewarding arrangements
The Club can confirm that we will be increasing stewarding on selected match days and have already provided Bristol City Council with funding to improve traffic conditions around the ground.  We also have an agreement with bus service provider First in order to provide “park & ride” transport from key locations around the City directly to the ground on major match days.  The Club will also promote all the service routes to encourage alternative travel to matches.

There are also plans to hold a travel road show at the ground to make visitors more aware of alternative forms of transport and we will be improving our cycle rack provision.  A traffic management plan is in place with Bristol City Council and they will be making improvements to road junctions, pedestrian access and bus stops in the area.  Finally, the opening of the official main entrance to the ground at the Ashley Down Road end should ease traffic around the Grace Gate on Nevil Road.

If you feel supportive of the Club and its ambitions both as a sporting venue and as part of the community, please take the time to go on line (click here) and comment on the application.

If you would like further information about the proposals, please call Matthew Thompson or Richard Brown in the community relations team on 0800 073 1047 or by email matthew.thompson@jbp.co.uk.

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