Residents near the University of Cambridge’s athletics track on Wilberforce Road have expressed concerns over plans to replace and upgrade the existing floodlights, fearing the new installations will be even brighter and cause greater light disturbance. The university submitted the application to Cambridge City Council seeking permission to replace 12 floodlights with taller but more directional units.
Mike Osbourn, the university’s planning manager, told the council’s planning committee that the current floodlights are deteriorating and “no longer fit for purpose.” He described the upgrade as “essential” to maintain the safe and effective use of the sports facilities. According to Osbourn, the increased height of the new lights would enable more precise illumination of the pitch, reducing light spill into surrounding areas. He acknowledged residents’ concerns but emphasized the university’s commitment to ongoing engagement with the local community.
Despite these assurances, some local elected officials voiced reservations. Dr Peter Rees, county councillor for Newnham and a member of the Green Party, said he could not support the proposal. Drawing on personal experience, he noted that the current floodlights cause lateral glare, which he finds painful when walking nearby at night. Rees criticised the dismissal of additional light blockers that nearby facilities, like the Cambridge Lawn Tennis Club, have installed to mitigate spill.
Council officers defended the design, pointing to internal shielding and downward angling of the lights as measures that would lessen light spill compared to the existing setup. They determined further blocking devices were unnecessary, given the specifications of the new fixtures.
Councillor Katie Porrer, chair of the planning committee and representing Market ward for the Liberal Democrats, highlighted a track record of rejecting similar applications due to excessive light pollution. She welcomed the plan’s potential to reduce light spill, noting the environmental sensitivity of the area. Conversely, Labour councillor Martin Smart, representing King’s Hedges, questioned the council’s confidence in the officers’ assessment, citing concerns from residents, speakers, and local forums who reported increased light issues.
Council officers maintained they were “highly confident” the new floodlighting arrangement would improve local conditions by focusing illumination more tightly on the athletics track and limiting unnecessary light during periods of non-use.
The application was unanimously approved, with an added advisory requiring the university to minimise light emissions when the sports field is not actively in use.