PLANS to install new floodlighting at Saltash Rugby Football Club have been recommended for approval by Saltash town council.

The proposal covers the installation of new 15-metre lighting columns and LED floodlights at the club’s first-team rugby pitch at Moorlands Lane.

The new floodlighting system would provide illumination of 200 lux across the pitch, with each column fitted with 800-watt LED floodlights.

Members of the town council discussed the application at a recent meeting, where concerns raised on the Cornwall Council planning register were considered. These included the accuracy of the submitted site plan and the potential impact the new lighting could have on wildlife in the surrounding area.

The chairman, Cllr Brenda Samuels, also read advice from a Cornwall Council planning officer regarding concerns over land ownership and site boundaries.

The officer confirmed any issues relating to land ownership or the boundaries of the site could be resolved and would not, in themselves, provide grounds for an objection to the application.

The applicant attended the meeting and was invited to answer questions from councillors about the plans.

Members sought further information about when the floodlights would be used, including their proposed operating times, as well as the anticipated timescale for installing the new system.

Following the discussion, councillors unanimously voted to recommend that the application be approved. The recommendation was proposed by Cllr Julia Peggs and seconded by Cllr Brian Stoyel.

However, the town council said its support should be subject to Cornwall Council imposing appropriate conditions to limit the impact of the lighting on local wildlife. It also wants conditions to ensure the floodlights are only used for rugby matches and training sessions.

The application will now be considered by Cornwall Council, which will make the final decision on whether the proposed lighting scheme can go ahead.