Blackpool FC proposing to replace East Stand floodlights with new lighting scheme

A new floodlighting scheme is being proposed for part of Blackpool FC’s Bloomfield Road stadium.

The club is proposing to replace the six tall floodlights currently located at the East Stand with 24 lower-set lights which will lead to less ‘light spillage’.

A planning application has been submitted to Blackpool Council seeking permission for the proposals.

It is envisaged that the work would be carried out during the summer, once the current football season is over.

The applicants for the scheme are listed as Blackpool Football Club Stadium and Property Limited.

A covering letter from agents PWA Planning states that they have been retained by the club to “progress a full planning application for the replacement of floodlights at Bloomfield Road Stadium, Blackpool.

“The proposal sees the replacement of six floodlights with 24 floodlights erected at a significantly lower height of 1,000mm above the roof of the East Stand, reducing existing light spill.

“The proposed development is the East Stand of Bloomfield Road Stadium, home stadium of Blackpool FC.

“Bloomfield Road is located in a central area of Blackpool, surrounded by key services and national chains of supermarkets, shops and restaurants as well as a number of hotels which serve the high number of tourists that visit Blackpool from across the country.”

The agents say the application is in accordance with the Blackpool Core Strategy which looks to ensure that all proposals are of a high quality design which is sympathetic to their surrounding contexts.

The planning document adds: ”The new floodlights are substantially lower in height, and will sit just 1,000mm above the existing East Stand. In terms of design, this is a visual improvement on the existing floodlights.

“Additionally, these changes will help reduce light spill, ensuring that the proposal is a betterment on the existing arrangement and allowing the scheme to be found compliant with planning policies( (DM20 and DM36).

“Taking the above into account, the proposed development represents a clear improvement for the club and the wider area which is in line with local planning policy.

“There are no technical constraints which would preclude the granting of planning permission. Therefore, the proposed development is considered acceptable and should be approved without delay.”