PLANS to install four floodlights at a football club look likely to be approved this week.

Members of Stockton Borough Council's planning committee will meet tomorrow to discuss a planning application by Billingham Town Football Club.

Officials at the club in Bedford Terrace, want to build the 25m high floodlights to replace the ones that were demolished.

The previous floodlights were only 21m high and residents are concerned that the new towers will be more intrusive and will emit more light.

A report to the meeting said: "It is noted the new towers are four metres higher and stand out more against the skyline.

"The previous floodlights had become dangerous and for safety reasons required replacing.

"It is reasonable for a football pitch to require floodlights as the game will be played nearly all season although it is necessary to condition the times of operation of floodlights to help reduce the light pollution into the rear windows of nearby properties.

"It is accepted many houses in close vicinity of the lights will suffer from some degree of light pollution, as the lamps will inevitably shine on to the rears of their houses.

"However, by implementing shields and hours of operation of the lights it is considered the impact can be lessened."

Councillors have been recommended to approve the plans.