Plans in for floodlights and phone mast at Sidmouth Town AFC
Sidmouth Town were at home to Totness and Dartington FC at the weekend. Picture by Alex Walton. Ref shsp 6233-10-14AW. To order your copy of this photograph go to www.sidmouthherald.co.uk and click on Photo Orders - Credit: Archant
Plans to install six floodlights at Sidmouth Town AFC, which incorporate a telecommunications mast, have been submitted.
Sidmouth Town at home to St Martins. Ref shsp 01-17TI 4813. Picture: Terry Ife - Credit: Archant
Shared Access, an organisation that supports grass-roots sport by sourcing investment, approached club bosses proposing to pay for the installation and maintenance of the items last year.
After winning their support and the backing in principle from landowner Sidmouth Town Council, it has now formalised its application for the Manstone Lane pitch.
The plans say the club could not afford to illuminate the pitch without the deal, adding: “The erection of floodlights would complement the club’s growing strength and consequently benefit the local community through the enjoyment of participating and spectating local sport.”
Club bosses also had the option of capital investment from Shared Access, but they opted for floodlight funding to meet demand for football in the town.
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New lights mean the club will be able to host games into the evening and social events, particularly during weekends, according to the plans.
The development could also boost Devon Air Ambulance, which is seeking night landing sites and last year struck a deal with Sidmouth Rugby Football Club.
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Five of the proposed galvanised steel floodlights are 13.5 metres high. The sixth is 17.5 metres tall and would incorporate a telecommunications antenna for use by Vodafone and O2, with other equipment on the ground.
The plans say government department Ofcom is pushing for improved coverage and new masts are required close to population centres.
Sidmouth Town Council will consider the formal application before East Devon District Council decides its fate.
