A PLAN by Malmesbury Lawn Tennis Club to have floodlighting for its courts was due to be considered by North Wiltshire District Council last night.

The club wants to install the lighting at its Tetbury Hill courts to extend playing hours.

The proposal is to put up nine 6.7m flood lighting columns.

Malmesbury Town Council has supported the application.

Planning officers however, have been looking at the potential impact of the powerful floodlights on nearby homes.

Two letters of objection have already been sent to the council from residents whose homes overlook the courts.

They say they are concerned about the glare of the lights, which they fear will be intrusive in their homes.

They are particularly concerned that bedrooms face the courts and some children's sleep could be affected.

The letters also raised concerns about noise and asked whether a curfew would be imposed.

In a report officers said: "The main issue raised by this proposal is the impact the proposed lighting would have on the adjacent properties, particularly Hopelands, which would be within 20m of the nearest column."

The club had suggested a 10pm curfew for the lights.

Planning officers however, are recommending that 9pm may be more appropriate.

The report recommends that permission be granted.