Oval floodlights stop us from sleeping, say locals

Residents are opposing plans for permanent floodlights at the Oval.

Surrey cricket club says it needs them to play evening matches at the Kennington venue, but locals have complained about glare and noise, and say their sleep is being disturbed.

The club hopes the lights - which would replace current temporary ones - will be in place in time for the Twenty20 World Cup next year.

They would allow 15 day-night matches a year, including a Twenty20 final.

Residents say permanent lights would result in more disturbance due to increased use of the ground.

Lambeth planning officers are backing the scheme on condition that lights stay off between 10.30pm to 9am. The council will meet to decide on Tuesday.

As part of a £35 million project, the Oval's capacity will be expanded to almost 25,000 and the Surrey Tavern will be knocked down to create a new piazza and open up the pavilion.