OPPOSITION is surfacing to the proposed addition of permanent floodlighting at the North-East’s only Test cricket ground.

Durham County Cricket Club has submitted a planning application for six 55-metre pylons, at its Emirates International ground, at Chester-le-Street.

The lights, which would be used up to 20 evenings per year, would enable the ground to stage high profile day/night fixtures.

Club chief executive David Harker described the proposed floodlighting as, “an essential application”, giving the ground much greater flexibility.

The 20-year-old venue, on Chester-le-Street’s Riverside, is the only international standard cricket stadium in England and Wales either without permanent floodlighting or plans in place at add pylons.

But the provision of permanent fixed lighting is a requirement of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for venues staging matches in the next World Cup, in 2019, as well as future day/night one-day internationals.

Three fixtures at the 12th ICC World Cup have provisionally been allocated to Durham, providing the club meets the ECB criteria.

Permanent lighting would also enable the club to host prestigious domestic events, like Twenty20 finals day, all of which would bring revenue to the town and region with an influx of fans.

Backed by ECB support, funding of up to £1.2m is expected to be made available for the development.

But people who would live in the shadow of the pylons are unhappy at the proposal.

They believe it will dominate the skyline and blight views across the River Wear to Lumley Castle.

Alan Brown, who chairs Riverside Residents’ Association, has been gauging opinion among townsfolk, including members of Chester-le-Street Golf Club, on the opposite side of the river to the ground.

The issue was also raised at this week’s Chester-le-Street and District Area Action Partnership meeting.

Mr Brown said retractable or demountable floodlights would be a more preferable option for local people.

“We’re trying to bring it to public attention as there is a three week period for people to make representations to the county council.

“Obviously, people living in Crichton Avenue, The Parks and the Riverside area support the development of the cricket ground and want it to be successful, but the feeling seems to be very much against these structures.

“We have presented other options, but the cricket club seem to be saying this is what is affordable.

“They said they would rather have only four, but the ECB insist on six.

“They say they want the ground to be a destination for international cricket, but we feel they want the cheapest option.”

He added that the club propose using them for a maximum 15 and 20 times a year, “yet, they will be blotting the landscape for the remaining 345 - 350 days per year.”

Representations can be made to dmnorth@durham.gov.uk, or in writing to the area development manager, at County Hall, Durham, DH1 5UL.