A primary school in Chadderton has been given the go-ahead to put up floodlights around its football field, despite several objections from neighbours.

Yew Tree Community School on Alcester Street submitted an application in September last year for new lighting columns and LED lights for its 3G football pitch.

Planning documents reveal the six lighting columns with LED lighting would provide a "suitable solution" for the football pitch at the primary as it currently has no lighting.

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A technical report outlines how the floodlights would be in use on Monday to Sunday evenings from 5pm until 9.45pm between September and April.

The lighting works by way of an automatic seven-day 24-hour timer, to prevent "human error that may arise".

The FL35 floodlight has also been "specifically designed" to fulfil the requirements of sports area lighting and is suited where "low light pollution is essential".

The report argues the lights wouldn't intrude on neighbouring properties as any overspill into gardens would be "no more than moonlight".

However, 11 out of 14 responses objected to the plans for reasons ranging from an increase in parking in the area, an increase in noise and "foul language" as well as "very bright lights" infringing on neighbours' privacy.

A resident said there is currently no adequate parking in place in the area and fears the pitch opening in evenings would exacerbate the problem.

They wrote: "My husband and I also start work at 5am, which means we have to be up at 3.30am every morning to get to work on time.

"We go to bed earlier than most residents - noise pollution is also a real concern to us."

The neighbour further said the pitch could pose additional "wear and tear" on Arden Street and Alcester Street, citing potholes and "sinkholes".

Others said they feared the football field would bring an influx of rubbish, "abusive" language and antisocial behaviour from "older unsupervised young people" who, a resident claims, "already congregate on the field at night leaving rubbish including empty cans, bottles and canisters".

A third said the pitch would be used by adults who "won't be quiet" while another neighbour raised the lack of toilet facilities.

Another also said they were worried the football would harm people relaxing "after they have worked all day" and would devalue properties in the area.

However, in support of the plans, one neighbour said it was a "great idea", writing: "More usage by the school and local football teams.

"There is plenty of parking on school grounds, so no impact on residents after school hours.

"If only we could have more of these facilities for the kids to play on."

A second supporter agreed and called the objections "ridiculous".

The resident wrote: "I'm not sure why people are worrying about swearing so much. The groups who will be playing will be mostly affiliated sports clubs run by coaches. 

"There is already antisocial behaviour on the field and having the field staffed and lit up would mean it would reduce behaviour issues.

"It will be brilliant for kids and teams in the area."

A third said: "This is a no brainer! I am in support of such an amazing initiative.

"The use of football pitch would help reduce the anti-social behaviour of children and allow them to engage in a productive and healthy activity as opposed to simply roaming around the neighbourhood causing problems or worse, staying cooped up at home playing computer games.

"At a time where childhood obesity is a dire problem, the sooner we get our children to engage in physical activity and form the social networks that encourage them to go out and feel safe to do outdoor activity, the better chance we have in helping them to get out of isolation and socialise in a positive manner."

In its assessment of the proposal, Oldham Council said the brighter football pitch would "contribute towards the promotion of healthy lifestyles and community wellbeing" and that the height and slimline design of the columns wouldn't post an "adverse impact" on the character of the area.

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