An illuminated cross atop the Holy Spirit Church in City Beach has sparked a neighbourhood dispute, with nearby residents claiming its bright light disrupts their sleep. The church is seeking approval from the Town of Cambridge to keep the light shining on its 5.6-metre cross, but six out of six submissions from neighbours oppose the application.
Neighbours Complain About Bright Light
One resident wrote: "We strongly oppose the structure being illuminated from dusk till dawn... the very strong light of the cross shines into our backyard and our bedroom and affects our amenity." Another said that even with blackout blinds, the brightness enters their home and disrupts sleep.
The cross, installed in the 1990s, received its LED lighting in May last year. It glows at 3000K warm-white at 100% intensity from 6pm to 7am, about 20 metres above ground.
Church Defends the Light
The church argues that many more locals appreciate the cross. "We are certain we could easily find a vastly greater number of people from all walks of life who are now getting much needed comfort and joy at night seeing the cross illuminated," their submission stated. They described it as "The Loving Light of Christ shining high above this hilltop."
The parish admitted it did not realise development approval was needed for the lighting and has since asked the electrician about reducing brightness. "We never intended to upset any of our neighbours, so we can definitely reduce the illumination," the church said.
Council Decision Pending
The Town of Cambridge will decide on the application at its June 30 meeting. Town planners have recommended refusal due to incompatibility with the residential area and adverse effects on neighbours.
