by Ownfigurine
Pilgrim Homes was granted permission by Leicester City Council to demolish bungalows and build 31 assisted-living apartments in Grocot Road, Evington, in August 2011.
The company, which is owned by a charity that cares for elderly Christians, has now applied to install nine five-metre and four four-metre lighting columns, along with 16 illuminated bollards, around the development, which is under construction.
An officer has recommended councillors approve the lights at a meeting next week, despite a petition signed by 16 people who live near the complex.
The petition, by Pilgrims Neighbours Action Group, said the height of the columns and the level of lighting was excessive and unnecessary.
It said: "We are at a loss to understand why there is a need for what amounts to street lighting in areas that are not streets.
"They will be an intrusion. We feel it will be another blatant disregard for the wider community of Grocot Road, Hextall Road, Headland Road and The Commons."
A 75-year-old resident who signed the petition but wanted to remain anonymous, said one of the taller columns would be at the end of her garden.
She said: "My garden will no longer be my garden. Not only will I be overlooked by the flats, it will be lit up at the same time.
"I accept you need low-level lighting for safety, but I can't understand the need for a four metre-high one."
Pilgrim Homes did not respond to a request for comment, but the Mercury understands the lights would be in outdoor communal areas.
In a design statement about the homes, the company said: "The elderly Christians who previously lived in the bungalows all have the option to return to live in one of the apartments once complete."
The planning officer's report said: "If designed with care, it should be possible to light the paths around the site without significant light spillage on to neighbouring properties.
"The lights would be visible from neighbouring properties and there would be a small amount of spillage.
Last year 59 towns and parishes were introduced to the project, where street lights are turned off between midnight and 5.30am, despite fears about it causing more crime and anti-social behaviour.
The next phase of parishes to be affected by the scheme include Hayfield and Flagg, which will see part night lighting from May this year.
Kevin Greenhalgh, clerk to Flagg Parish Council, commented: "We appreciate they have got to make savings, but at the some time should there be any vandalism we have asked them to review it."
The report to the council's highways and transport committee said an assessment over seven locations which already had part night lighting had seen 'very little change' in crime or trouble.
No comments:
Post a Comment