Hillingdon Planning Committee has approved the installation of new floodlights at the Hayes Hawks BMX Track in Lake Farm Country Park. The decision, made on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, will see six 15-metre high lighting columns erected around the perimeter of the existing track.
The floodlights are intended to support the continued and extended use of the recreational facility, particularly during evening hours and the winter months. The proposal was deemed acceptable in principle as an enhancement to an existing community recreational facility, aligning with national, regional, and local planning policies.
No specific residents or community groups formally objected to the floodlight installation, as the meeting information states that no public representations were received regarding this application. The floodlights are restricted to operating hours of Monday to Sunday from 09:00 to 21:30 and will not operate at any other times.
Concerns regarding the impact on the Green Belt, design, visual impact, residential amenity, highways, ecology, and technical matters were assessed. Officers concluded that the development would preserve the openness of the Green Belt and would not result in unacceptable impacts on the character and appearance of the area, neighbouring amenity, or highway safety.
The floodlighting columns are of a simple, functional design with LED luminaires directed downwards to minimise light spill. The development would not result in any material increase in traffic generation and would not adversely affect highway safety. The BMX track's existing recreational use would be enhanced, providing greater accessibility for the community.
The proposal also addresses ecological considerations, with the lighting design intended to limit light spillage beyond the site. The floodlighting design incorporates strong directional control with fittings angled downwards towards the track to minimize upward light spill. Specialist sports lighting equipment with beam control is used to ensure illumination is contained within the site. A lighting assessment confirms compliance with standards for obtrusive light, with no unacceptable glare or light spill towards surrounding receptors or the highway. The development is considered to comply with relevant planning policies, including those related to design, Green Belt protection, residential amenity, highways, and ecology.
The decision was made at the Hillingdon Planning Committee meeting on July 14, 2026. Further details can be found in the Decisions 14th July 2026 Hillingdon Planning Committee document.
