A COMMUNITY of York sisters fear their night-time slumbers could be disrupted by light flooding into their convent.

City of York Council has received a planning application for 23 new lights and signs - including eight floodlights - outside the proposed Premier Lodge, behind the Windmill pub, in Blossom Street, opposite the Bar Convent.

A good night's sleep was recently confirmed as a human right, after residents living near Heathrow Airport won a case under the Human Rights Act, after saying night flights were keeping them awake.

The nuns at the convent have told the authority they are concerned that their sleep - and that of guests at the convent - could also be disturbed if the new floodlights are brighter than existing lights, and the glare shines into front bedrooms. But council planners, who are due to discuss the application next Tuesday, say the nunnery should stay disruption-free, as the lights will be controlled to ensure they did not cause a nuisance.

And they are recommending approval for the scheme by Scottish and Newcastle.

"The floodlights will replace those which are already present and would be controlled to prevent glare and a nuisance to the residents of the Bar Convent," the report states.

Concerns have also been raised about the proposals by the conservation area advisory panel, which is worried that a proposed hanging sign is too big and would have a negative impact on the conservation area, and nearby Micklegate Bar.

The Bishophill neighbourhood forum also said: "Generally, there are too many signs that are too large."

It has also said that the floodlights would detract from the character of the conservation area.

But the report says: "The entrance sign measured 4750mm by 2700mm when first submitted, but has since been reduced to a more acceptable 2700mm by 2400mm.

"It is considered that the illuminated signs do not detract from the area, or the listed building."

And it says the times of use of the floodlighting must be agreed with the authority prior to installation, to protect the amenity of nearby properties.

Updated: 11:22 Thursday, October 04, 2001