Plans for new multi-use sports pitches in Heysham have been given the go-ahead.
Councillors voted unanimously in favour of proposals to convert two disused bowling greens at Heysham Mossgate Sports and Community Centre into two new MUGAs (multi-use games areas).
A change of use planning application had gone in to Lancaster City Council, for the former bowling greens at Townson Way, to also include fencing and floodlights.
The MUGAs will comprise an artificial playing surface (3G - Third Generation) designed for multiple sports and all-weather use.
The bowling greens have not been used since 2016.
A Lancaster City Council report highlighted a "significant shortfall of 3G pitches in the District to meet current and future demand".
"Such a surface is able to support a range of activities including football, rounders, basketball and general recreation and the applicant has confirmed that this is the intention at this site," said the report.
"While the dimensions of the MUGAs fall below those required for a standard football pitch, they would be suitable for younger players and small-sided games and would contribute to youth provision for external sport facilities."
The council received five objections to the plans, covering a range of issues including that the scheme would have a "detrimental effect on local residents and the properties that are adjacent to the proposed site through property damage" and lead to an "increased risk of injury to the general public" and "increased litter (insufficient bins) and noise".
The report also said that County Councillor Graeme Austin, a Reform councillor for Heysham, "has raised and agrees with the issues raised concerning noise and light pollution and states that the current parking facilities are totally inadequate with vehicles often parking on the footpath or the nearby NHS Heysham Primary Health Centre Car Park".
"Although Mr Austin commends the proposal to increase sports facilities to enable people to lead a more active and healthier lifestyle, it should not be a source of nuisance to local residents. Careful and sensitive management needs to be carried out."
There were also two letters of support which said "there is a lack of local public tennis courts and the area could be used for general recreation open to all such as basketball ball and ball games without charge" and "there is a lack of open space suitable for impromptu ball games".
The report said that Councillor Colin Hartley, a Labour city councillor for Heysham South, "supports this application and highlights that the bowling greens are in a poor state and have not been used for a number of years, with no pressure from the bowling community to bring them back into use".
"There continues to be a lack of sporting/exercise provision in the Heysham area and the proposal is an opportunity for the land to be brought back into use for sporting/exercise activities.
"The existing football pitches at Mossgate and its gym are well used and demonstrate the need for more provision for activities such as 5 a side football, basketball, etc."
Council officers recommended the scheme should be approved, with conditions.
The report said: "The site has remained in a state of disrepair and has been unsuitable for its intended use for almost 10 years.
"It has also been concluded that subject to appropriate conditions, in relation to noise and light pollution, the proposal will not have a detrimental impact upon the residential amenity of the neighbouring properties, and traffic impacts once operational would not be significant.
"Fundamentally, and weighing significantly in favour of the development, the proposal will enhance the existing facilities at the Heysham Mossgate Community Sports and Community Centre."
The Lancaster City Council planning regulatory committee voted in favour of the plans, at a meeting at Morecambe Town Hall on Monday.
Read more: Plan for new multi-use games area at Heysham sports centre - Beyond Radio
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