PLANS to install floodlights at Stockton Heath Lawn Tennis Club have been refused following fears over light pollution levels.

The club, on Delphfields Road, proposed installing floodlights to five existing tennis courts, the replacement of two shale courts with an astro turf surface and the renewal of perimeter fencing.

Appleton Parish Council objected due to the 'loss of residential amenity' for the neighbouring properties

The club said its growth would be 'restricted' without the new floodlights.

It added that the proposals would deliver additional security by providing lighting to the club, which has suffered from vandalism.

In total, 21 letters of objection were received from residents over the 'eyesore' proposals.

Committee member Cllr Bob Barr (LD – Lymm North and Thelwall) said light visualisations would have helped members.

Fellow committee member Cllr Judith Wheeler (LD – Appleton) added: "This will be a severe amenity impact on residents.

"Until we can see what that lighting level would like, I would not go along with this application."

One nearby resident told the committee the changes would 'definitely devalue' her £1 million home.

The plans were turned down on the grounds of the impact of 'light spillage' and 'light pollution'.

Similar plans were refused by the committee earlier this year.