Neighbours in Cimla, Neath, are renewing calls for the removal of floodlighting at the sports pitch of Cefn Saeson comprehensive school, saying the bright lights have made nights feel like day and left children and adults struggling to sleep.
Residents say lights were installed differently to plans
Local campaigners say the lights were put up in 2021 as part of the school development, but that the units now in place differ from those approved in the planning documents. A report produced in 2024 by lighting consultants The Lighting Bee was disclosed to resident Tim Pearson following a Freedom of Information request and, according to residents, supports their claim that the installed lighting does not match the original design.
Pearson, who has been challenging the scheme since the lights were erected, described the impact on neighbouring households:
"People were finding it distressing because you'd have children that couldn't sleep at the rear of the properties where their bedrooms were, due to the amount of light pollution that was coming in. Even those that didn't have young children found it a total nuisance because it was completely illuminating their gardens."
Council and consultants have acknowledged concerns
Lighting Bee concluded the lights had been installed under less stringent rules than should have applied and that the currently installed units were different from those for which a design and assessment had been prepared. The report was cited by residents as evidence the installation departed from approved specifications.
Documents seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service show a council officer indicated they believed lighting levels in some properties had contributed to a statutory nuisance under Environmental Health legislation. Neath Port Talbot Council said it was aware of concerns and that the lights would not be used while inquiries were made.
The council added:
"The impact of the floodlighting was considered as part of the planning application process and the development was assessed against the relevant planning requirements. The council is aware of concerns raised by residents and continues to engage with those concerns where a"The statement provided to residents confirmed the council's engagement but did not set out a timetable for resolution.
Local impact and what's changed so far
Some neighbours say the situation has improved since two of the lights were turned off in January 2024, but they want the remaining units removed entirely or replaced with fittings that match the originally approved designs and produce less light spill into homes and gardens.
- Installation year: 2021 — lights put up as part of school development.
- Consultant report: 2024 — Lighting Bee found different lights were installed to those approved.
- Mitigation to date: January 2024 — two lights switched off; further use suspended pending council inquiries.
The dispute highlights tensions that can arise between community sport facilities and neighbouring residential amenity — especially where artificial lighting reaches into properties. Residents say children have been routinely disturbed; the council has recognised complaints and environmental health concerns, but a definitive outcome has yet to be announced.
What residents want next
Locals are seeking the complete removal of the lights or the installation of fittings and controls that strictly adhere to the previously approved design and an assessment demonstrating reduced light spill. They say continued uncertainty is affecting sleep and enjoyment of private gardens.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2021 | Floodlights installed at Cefn Saeson sports pitch as part of school development |
| January 2024 | Two lights turned off; some reported improvement |
| 2024 | Lighting Bee report found installed lights differed from those approved |
| 2026 | Council has suspended use of lighting while inquiries continue |
The coming weeks will be important for residents and the school alike. Neath Port Talbot Council's ongoing inquiries and any follow-up from environmental health teams will determine whether the lights remain off, are altered, or are removed — and whether planning and installation processes will be tightened to prevent similar disputes in future.
For many families in Cimla, the issue is simple: they want restful nights and the right to enjoy their homes without intrusive light. For the school and local authorities, balancing community sporting facilities with neighbourhood amenity remains the pressing challenge.
