Jehovah’s Witnesses Apply for Car Park Lighting Upgrade to Improve Safety and Energy Efficiency

Jehovah’s Witnesses have submitted a planning application to modernize the lighting at their Kingdom Hall car park in Flookburgh, near Grange-over-Sands. The proposed changes aim to enhance safety and reduce energy consumption, particularly during dark evenings. The application, reviewed by Westmorland and Furness Council, outlines plans to install eight new LED floodlights along the car park, with five positioned on the rail side and three on the southern boundary. These lights would be mounted on 6-metre-high columns, replacing the existing wall-mounted floodlights.

Currently, the 90-metre car park relies on a single floodlight on the gable end of the hall and two small side-mounted units. The applicants note that this setup provides minimal spill lighting from adjacent buildings, leaving much of the parking area in darkness, especially in winter. This lack of illumination raises concerns about access and security for worshippers and visitors attending evening meetings.

The design statement emphasizes that the new LED lighting will be angled away from the railway line to minimize glare and prevent nuisance for rail users and nearby properties. The choice of energy-efficient LED units is also intended to reduce electricity use and align with broader efforts toward sustainable, low-carbon lighting in public spaces.

No changes are proposed to the existing landscaping, which will be retained as part of the upgrade. The Design and Access Statement describes the LED system as an enhancement in terms of material quality and energy efficiency, aligning with sustainable development principles.

The congregation’s request reflects a commitment to improving safety while adhering to environmental considerations. The application now awaits review by the local council, which will determine whether the proposed changes meet planning criteria.

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