A tennis club's proposals to install new LED lighting at a court in Old Deer Park without submitting a planning application have been refused.

Richmond Council has rejected Richmond Lawn Tennis Club's plans to install Tweener LED tennis court lighting for use between 4pm and 8pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from November to April only.

The club argued that it already had permission for a more intrusive type of LED lighting.

However, the Council stated that the previously approved application related to resurfacing works and lighting for three courts to the north of the pavilion, and did not apply to the area covered by the current proposal.

In the planning officer's report, it stated: "Having applied the relevant tests to the evidence submitted, on the balance of probability it is considered that the proposed LED lighting, as a matter of fact and degree, constitutes development requiring express planning permission.

"There are no permitted development rights for floodlighting of this nature. Planning permission is therefore required."

The lighting company, Tweener, says it has more than 10 years' experience in sports lighting and has completed over 250 tennis court lighting projects.

It claims its product reduces purchasing, installation and running costs by 50%, thanks to its "innovative" LED technology and "plug-and-play" installation system.

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To read the application click here.