External Light

For new developments there is now an opportunity for planning authorities to impose conditions related to external lighting, including curfew hours. In recognition of the growing need to assess and mitigate environmental impacts, Herrington Consulting can include Light Pollution/Light Impact Assessments as one of the Planning Assessment services we offer.

External Lighting Impact Assessments (ELIA)

There are many forms of light pollution and these are generically referred to as ‘obtrusive light’, which if not properly controlled can have physiological and ecological impacts. Since 2006, artificial light has been included on the list of possible Statutory Nuisances in England, Wales and Scotland and is also now referenced in both National and Local planning policy. We are able to undertake detailed External Lighting Impact Assessments that allow lighting schemes to be tested and potential adverse impacts identified and mitigated.

Why the need to assess?

An external light impact assessment is typically required for planning applications to ensure that the NPPF policy on light pollution from artificial lighting to local landscapes is met. Local Planning Authorities mainly follow the guidelines for external lighting installations set by the Institutions of Lighting Professionals (ILP) Guidance Note 1 ‘The Reduction of Obtrusive Light’ and ILP Guidance Note 08/23 – Bats and Artificial Lighting in the UK.

How we work

We promote a commercially balanced, phased approach to external light assessment with initial scoping assessments which may be used to address planning conditions in low sensitivity locations or to support a planning application, followed by more design / receptor specific assessment and lighting constraint modelling where an issue has been identified requiring a higher level of consideration.

We use numerical modelling techniques to analyse a range of lighting impacts or light pollution. This is a very general term which refers to the effect of over-lighting resulting from poorly designed lighting schemes and excessive levels of light. When external lighting installation requires impact assessment, be it in terms of glare or even potential impact on wildlife, our team of experts can help ensure your design is right.