Part One: Spatial Strategy and Policies (Regulation 19)
Light pollution
19.12. This policy ensures that issues related to light pollution are considered and addressed as part of new development proposals.
Policy DLP88 Light Pollution Comment
- Applications for development that comprise or require external lighting must demonstrate that:
- the use and design of the lighting scheme is necessary, particularly on the grounds of public safety, and appropriate to the location and the use proposed and/or design of the scheme/building. Clustering of lighting installations will only be permitted in the interests of safety or to highlight an individual landmark building or thoroughfare or town centre area.
- there is no harm to residential amenity.
- light spillage is minimised and, where appropriate, measures are provided to:
- screen lighting installations from view from neighbouring areas, especially within, to or from heritage assets (see Policy DLP55) and areas of Green Belt.
- restrict the times of illumination.
- there shall be no harm to protected wildlife species or habitats of acknowledged nature conservation importance including watercourses.
- illumination shall not provide an undue distraction to users of the public highway.
- Approval of development which includes significant external lighting will contain appropriate conditions where necessary to mitigate against any negative impacts. Where such impacts cannot be mitigated and there is the potential for significant harm to the local environment, the Council will refuse permission for that scheme.
Justification
19.13. The quality of the night-time environment is often dependent upon light. Artificial light is essential for reasons of safety and security as well as for a vibrant night-time economy in towns or add to the amenity of a place by highlighting special buildings and open spaces of character. However, insensitive lighting can cause light pollution and can also have an adverse impact upon biodiversity by affecting normal day and nighttime patterns of plants and animals.
External lighting is needed for commercial use, such as security lights, and for some community and sports facilities such as floodlit sports grounds and facilities in parks and open spaces, particularly during the winter for added safety to encourage increased use. Whilst the lighting has to be adequate for the purpose, it is important that there is no significant harm to the amenity of surrounding properties. This may require the use of planning conditions to limit times when lighting is used to minimise the intrusion.
