Bracknell David Lloyd leisure centre wants to add floodlights

David Lloyd Royal Berkshire wants to install eight floodlights at its Nine Mile Ride leisure centre so tennis players can use its three courts when it is dark.

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A design report claimed the modern technology of the floodlights and the position of the courts means neighbours would not experience “adverse harm” from the new lights.

But some neighbours disagreed with this assessment, claiming the new additions would mean light creeps into their properties.

One Birch Hill objector wrote: “Writing on behalf of myself, father, mother, we all completely object to this.

“The floodlights now are bad enough shining through bedroom windows let alone the noise when we’re trying to sleep as they play tennis till very late.”

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David Lloyd bosses say the lights will only be switched on when the adjacent tennis courts are in use.

Another objector wrote: “We now have to put up with noise from the outside spa area plus people playing tennis.

“Again the council do[es] not care about the people that have been living in theses houses for years.

“[It[ seems like David Lloyd Racket Club can do whatever they want.”

Eleven letters were sent to Bracknell Forest Council (BFC) from six addresses objecting to the plans.

Since these comments were received by the council, David Lloyd has reduced the planned height of the floodlights from 12-metres to eight-metres.

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Bracknell Forest Council planning bosses have recommended the floodlight proposals go ahead but only on the condition they cannot be used past 10 pm on weekdays or 9.30 pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

Councillors will vote on the plans at a BFC planning committee meeting on Thursday, February 13.