North Ayrshire Council planning officers are supporting Largs Thistle FC's bid to extend their floodlight operating hours in time for the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup tie against Ayr United. Councillors will vote on the proposals at a Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday.
The club wants to use the floodlights until 10pm on no more than two calendar nights a month, with the game against the Honest Men reportedly targeted for live TV coverage on Friday, November 27.
Planning application details
Planning permission is sought to amend conditions tied to development at Barrfields Stadium. The current permission restricts pitch use to between 8am and 9pm, Mondays to Saturdays, with floodlights only permitted during those hours. The new application asks to extend the time limit to 10pm.
Since earning an SFA License and moving up to the Lowland League West, the club has scheduled evening fixtures, expected to kick off at 7.45pm, which prompted the request for the later limit.
Objections and support
Eleven objections have been received, while the Scottish Football Association supports the application. Objectors raised concerns about floodlight glare into neighbouring gardens and windows, potential impact on sleep, effects on wildlife, and dispersal from matches continuing until 10.30pm. Some also noted the lights could be dazzling for drivers on Burnside Road.
Largs Community Council supports the application, noting that while lights could cause inconvenience, a Burnside Road resident said the lights were visible but not blinding.
Recommendation
Planners consider the extended hours acceptable under planning regulations. The nearest homes on Brisbane Road are about 25m from the stadium and 65m from the nearest floodlight. NAC Environmental Health has no objection to the additional hour.
The club suggested a fall-back time of 9.40pm if 10pm is not acceptable, but planners noted that Lowland League games starting at 7.45pm would finish around 9.30pm without added time, making 10pm a more appropriate finish. The club has agreed to accept a permission restricting extended use to two nights per month during the football season, and planning officers recommend approving the proposal subject to conditions.
