On Monday, Greater Christchurch Regeneration Associate Minister Poto Williams approved the Canterbury Cricket Trust's proposal to use earthquake recovery laws to allow the installation of the lights.
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The trust has been pushing for the lights in order to secure high-profile games for the 2021 Women’s Cricket World Cup.
Ms Williams said 83 per cent of the 1253 written comments received during public consultation on the proposal were in favour of the lights being installed.
She has used her powers under section 71 of the Greater Christchurch Regeneration Act to amend the Christchurch District Plan to make the lights a permitted activity.
More than 2200 public submissions were received by the city council on the lease renewal and permanent lighting plan.
The high number came after New Zealand Cricket sent an e-newsletter to cricket fans nationwide, outlining its support of the trust’s bid to install the lights.
However, the lights have been opposed by some in the community. Christchurch Hospital staff voiced their opposition, saying the crowds that could attend the high-profile night matches would make it even more difficult for staff, patients and visitors to park near the hospital.
