Haverfordwest tennis club has been allowed to erect new floodlights for year-round use after a previous facility used for teaching junior members was closed due to vandalism.

Chairman Dean Richards sought permission for floodlighting for courts 1 and 2, alongside a change from metal halide lights to LED lighting at the two other courts.

The Pembrokeshire town’s Tennis Club has been operating for over 80 years on The Parade. The club schedules tennis coaching for members and is available to junior, adult and veteran members throughout the year.

In previous years two courts with lighting were deemed sufficient, as the club used the indoor tennis courts at Tasker Milwood School (The Dome), but this facility was permanently closed in 2022 owing to vandalism.

An officer report said: “It is considered that the use of the flood lights should be subject to a time limit condition to ensure that the activities facilitated by their use will not lead to unacceptable noise disturbance for the occupiers of neighbouring residential properties, and to protect the enjoyment of the conservation area.”

Conditional approval, including a time limit on the floodlights and conditions on the strength of the lighting, was granted by planners under delegated powers.