Council Endorses Floodlight and Acoustic Fence Project for Netball Courts

The installation of floodlights and a three-metre (10ft) acoustic barrier at the netball courts of a sports facility has received approval. This initiative, located at ELA Active Impington in Impington, close to Cambridge, generated differing viewpoints, evidenced by 64 objections submitted in opposition and 53 comments expressing support. Concerns were raised regarding the potential health effects on local residents from light pollution and noise. Conversely, proponents emphasized the advantages, stating that enhancing the facilities would establish a valuable community resource that also “supports women, young and older people to access sports.” In 2018, the netball courts had been “condemned for match play and league use” because their surface was deemed to fall short of acceptable standards. The proposal for installing floodlights and an acoustic fence was presented to South Cambridgeshire District Council with the aim of increasing court usage. Additionally, the courts are slated for resurfacing. Previous, comparable plans received approval in 2020; however, the work was never carried out, resulting in the expiration of that permission. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, a council session heard that the sports center had previously accommodated several netball leagues and clubs, and area schools also utilized the courts. The primary concerns raised in objections to the proposals revolved around potential health consequences stemming from noise disruption and light emissions. Following a vote, the majority of councillors consented to endorse the application.