Light Pollution

We try to prevent problems from new lighting schemes by making comments on planning applications we are consulted on.

 

Some schemes don’t need planning permission and other existing lights can be changed without needing planning permission. Where these cause a lighting problem there is now legislation in force which means action can be taken if a “statutory nuisance” exists, and ensure that lights do not cause unreasonable disturbances.

 

Some lights are exempt from regulation and the only way to try to deal with these is by informal co-operation. These include lights from: airports, railways, tramways, bus stations, prisons and public service / goods vehicle operating centres.

 

Lights from other areas such as industrial, commercial and outdoor sports facilities may have a defence of “best practicable means” in the event that legal action is taken against them.

 

If you are annoyed or disturbed from lights, we would always encourage you to try to resolve the issue with the people causing your problem. Often the solution is simply a matter of tilting a lamp, changing a fitting, adding a shield or moving the light.

 

Remember that people don’t always know they are causing a problem until somebody tells them!!

 

You can find out more about lighting from other websites. For example, the Institute of Lighting Engineers has these leaflets:

 

 

and The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) also have some guidance:

 

 

For more information, please contact us.