Lighting impact assessments are often required for UK planning applications where external lighting could affect neighbouring properties, public spaces, or environmentally sensitive areas. Poorly designed lighting can lead to objections, delays, or even refusal of planning consent.
This article explains when a lighting impact assessment is required, what it considers, and how it helps demonstrate that a development complies with planning expectations. It also outlines how professional assessments identify and mitigate issues such as light spill, glare, sky glow and impacts on wildlife, helping developers address concerns early and improve the likelihood of planning approval.
What Is a Lighting Impact Assessment?
A lighting impact assessment evaluates the potential effects of artificial lighting from a proposed development on its surroundings. The focus is on identifying and mitigating potential issues such as:
- Light spill into nearby residential properties
- Glare affecting highways or public areas
- Sky glow impacting darker landscapes
- Disturbance to sensitive receptors
The assessment ensures that lighting proposals are appropriate, proportionate, and planning compliant.
When Are Lighting Impact Assessments Required?
Local planning authorities may request a lighting impact assessment where development includes:
- External lighting for commercial or industrial sites
- Floodlighting or high-mounted luminaires
- Car parks, access roads, or service yards
- Development close to residential areas
- Sites near countryside or darker environments
Lighting impact assessments are particularly important where lighting could be visible beyond the boundary of the site.
Planning Guidance and Standards
Lighting impact assessments are typically prepared in line with recognised guidance, including:
- Institute of Lighting Professionals (ILP) guidance
- Local planning authority lighting policies
- Site-specific planning conditions
Using established guidance helps planners assess whether lighting impacts are acceptable.
What Does a Lighting Impact Assessment Consider?
Site Context
The assessment reviews:
- The location of the site
- Surrounding land uses
- Proximity to sensitive receptors
This ensures that the assessment reflects real-world conditions.
Lighting Design and Layout
A lighting impact assessment considers:
- Luminaire type and mounting height
- Light direction and spread
- Hours of operation
This information helps demonstrate that lighting has been carefully designed and is fit for purpose.
Potential Impacts
The potential impact assessment evaluates:
- Light spill beyond site boundaries
- Potential glare
- Visual effects on surrounding areas
Where impacts are identified, effective mitigation measures will be proposed.
How a Lighting Impact Assessment Supports Planning
A clear lighting impact assessment helps to:
- Address objections early
- Demonstrate policy compliance
- Support a positive planning decision
By showing that lighting impacts have been properly considered, developers are able to reduce planning risk.
Conclusion
A lighting impact assessment plays a key role in planning applications involving external lighting. Understanding when it is required and what it should cover can help to ensure a smoother planning process and avoid unnecessary delays.
Early professional input can ensure lighting proposals are appropriate and acceptable from the outset, reducing the risk of objections, supporting compliance with local authority requirements, and helping demonstrate a clear commitment to responsible and well-considered development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is a lighting impact assessment required for all developments?
A1: No. It is usually required only where external lighting could materially affect surrounding areas.
Q2: Does a lighting impact assessment include lighting design?
A2: It assesses the proposed lighting design but does not replace a full lighting design service.
Q3: Who reviews a lighting impact assessment?
A3: Planning officers and, where relevant, environmental or highway consultees will review a lighting impact assessment.
If your project requires a lighting impact assessment to support planning, contact Hawkins Environmental on 01256 522332 or email enquiry@hawkinsenvironmental.co.uk – or find us on Linkedin.