OVERTON United Football Club has been given full planning permission to erect eight 15m floodlighting columns at its Bridge Street ground, writes Julie Skinner. Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council's development control committee approved the application, which will see two lighting columns to the north, south, east and west of the pitch.

A statement from the club to the committee said the lighting was required to meet FA standards and was a requirement for clubs in the Hampshire Premier League. It added: "The type of light to be used would minimise light pollution on surrounding properties."

Objections were received on conservation grounds, as the site is in the Overton Conservation Area, and concerns were raised about the height of the columns, light pollution, inadequate parking and an increase in noise.

The application was approved provided the lights would only be on during matches, not used more than twice in a week and not lit before 3pm or after 10pm.