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Click to enter SHEDDING LIGHT A survey of local authority approaches to lighting in England
Previous Next Acknowledgements CPRE gratefully acknowledges the kind financial support of Thurstan Adburgham that made this study possible. The author of this report, Emma Marrington, also wishes to thank the 83 local authorities who responded to our survey about how they deal with lighting in their areas. Without them, this report would not have been possible. Dark skies above Westermill Farm near Exford
1
Shedding light
A survey of local authority
approaches to lighting in England
Contents
Executive summary 2
About our survey 3
Lighting and CPRE 4
Planning, lighting and the law 6
Survey results and analysis, including CPRE’s
view and recommendations:
Local planning and lighting 8
Street light switch-off schemes 14
Street light dimming schemes 16
Crime and street lighting 20
Lighting types 22
New lighting in previously unlit areas 24
Conclusion 26
Recommendations 27
Appendix: CPRE lighting survey questions 28
Previous Next Contents
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Shedding light Executive summary
A survey of local authority
approaches to lighting in England
Executive summary
he Campaign to Protect l l ocal authorities told us that examining the cost, energy and carbon
Rural England (CPRE) has communities are far more supportive savings. This should be done in full
long been a leading voice in of street light dimming schemes than consultation with the local community;
the campaign against light switching off street lights between l all local authorities who are switching
pollution. We have a special interest in midnight and 5am. off or dimming street lighting should
this issue: darkness at night is one of the monitor crime and accident statistics
key characteristics of rural areas and it There has been a lot of progress in recent and consider taking part in the
represents a major difference between years in developing policies to control the Institution of Lighting Professionals/
what is rural and what is urban. use of lighting, both by the Department LANTERNS research project which aims
But light doesn’t respect boundaries; for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to quantify any effects of changes to
it can spread for miles from the source and local authorities. Street light switch- street lighting on road traffic accidents
and blurs the distinction between town off and dimming schemes have become and crime;
and country. Light spilling up into the increasingly popular as local authorities l local authorities should give careful
night sky is also a waste of energy and look for ways to save money and energy, consideration to the type of Light-
money – local authorities were estimated and to reduce their carbon emissions. Emitting Diode (LED) lighting they use
to spend £616 million on street lighting The reduction in light pollution is a and consider the potential impacts that
in 2013-141 – and the lights can account welcome side effect of these schemes but higher temperature blue rich lighting
for between 15-30% of a local authority’s it has rarely been the main motivation. has on ecology and on human health;
carbon emissions. We believe that there is still a lot of l local authorities with responsibility
In 2012, CPRE welcomed the first ever potential to improve the way that lighting for street lighting could set targets for
planning policy on light pollution. This is managed in ways which reduce light replacing all their street and road lights
was contained in the National Planning pollution. More effective sharing of best with less light polluting types, such as
Policy Framework (NPPF). To help us practice between and within local full cut off flat glass lamps;
understand how local authorities are authorities is an important way to take l new street lighting should be tested
responding to this change, we decided this forward. ‘in situ’ before a lighting scheme is
to carry out a survey of English local As a result of the evidence presented rolled out across a wider area to ensure
authorities to find out more about their in this report, CPRE makes the following that it is the minimum required for
approaches to lighting. recommendations: the task and does not cause a nuisance
The survey results have given us a to residents;
better understanding of how decisions l ll local authorities should have a
a l local authorities should have a strong
are made about lighting at the local level, policy to control light pollution in their presumption against new lighting in
including how lighting is dealt with in Local Plan, in line with the NPPF and existing dark areas, unless essential
local planning and how local authorities the associated National Planning as part of a new development or for
are working to make street lighting more Practice Guidance (NPPG) on light public safety reasons that have been
energy and cost efficient. pollution. This should include clearly demonstrated;
identifying existing dark areas that l the Highways Agency should review the
The key findings are: need protecting; lighting section of the Design Manual
l the NPPF policy to control light pollution l local authorities should consider for Roads and Bridges, which is used
does not appear to have made a real preparing a Street Lighting Policy, to design motorway and trunk road
impact in local policies. Only six of the which could include Environmental lighting, to ensure it remains relevant
49 local authorities who have a lighting Lighting Zones to ensure that the for local authorities.
policy said it was introduced due to appropriate lighting levels are used
the NPPF; in each zone, with very strict
l local authorities can potentially save requirements applying in identified
hundreds of thousands of pounds each dark areas;
year by either switching off street l we encourage local authorities to
lighting in suitable locations between investigate how part-night lighting
midnight and 5am, or dimming lights. schemes (e.g. switching off between
These schemes can also reduce carbon midnight and 5am) or dimming
emissions and save energy; could work in their areas, including
1
epartment for Communities and Local Government ‘Local authority revenue expenditure and financing England:
D
2013 to 2014 budget’
3
Shedding light About our survey
A survey of local authority
approaches to lighting in England
About our survey
n early 2014 (between January city authorities in England (a total of 351 In 2003, CPRE published maps of light
and February), CPRE carried out a authorities) with detailed questions about: pollution across the UK, as part of our
survey of English local authorities Night Blight!2 report.
to find out how they approach l whether local authorities have adopted We also carried out a short survey at the
lighting in their areas. Up until now there new or revised lighting policies as a time, of 44 district and unitary councils
has been a serious lack of information result of the NPPF; and five county councils, to inform a
about how local authorities in England l the type of lighting that is used by section of the Night Blight!2 report about
deal with lighting as part of the local local authorities and how decisions lighting and local planning. Of the district
planning process (e.g. new development), are made on whether to install new or and unitary councils surveyed then,
how they design street light switch-off replacement lighting; 39% had specific light pollution policies
or dimming schemes, and how they l whether local authorities have in their Local Plan and 7% had some
decide which street lighting to install in introduced schemes for switching off coverage of light pollution in other
new developments or when replacing street lights or installing dimming policies. Another 5% said they had
existing schemes. technology to offer varied levels of included consideration of light pollution
CPRE worked with the Department lighting during the hours of darkness. in the review of their plan, 9% were
for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs considering including it in the future
(Defra) and the British Astronomical We received responses from 83 local and 5% had included guidance on the
Association’s Campaign for Dark Skies authorities – including 17 county councils, reduction of light pollution, although
(CfDS) in the development and design of 31 district councils, 10 metropolitan not a specific policy.3
the survey. borough councils, 18 unitary authorities This report is based on a far more
We sent our survey questionnaire to and seven London boroughs. This comprehensive survey and creates a
all county, district, borough, unitary and represents a 24% response rate. Responses detailed picture of how local authorities
were received from every English region. are currently dealing with lighting issues.
Light pollution of Eastbourne, from Warren Hill
2
C
PRE Night Blight! (2003) http://www.cpre.org.uk/resources/countryside/dark-skies/item/1986-
3
Despite the national planning system having changed dramatically since 2003, the local approach to planning and
lighting is similar, which is why we refer to the short 2003 survey in this report.
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Shedding light Lighting and CPRE
A survey of local authority
approaches to lighting in England
Lighting and CPRE ‘THE STREET LIGHTS ARE ONE
OF THE REASONS I AM PLANNING
TO MOVE HOUSE WITHIN THE
NEXT FEW YEARS.’
The impact of light pollution an individual’s risk of developing
Light pollution is a generic term oestrogen-related malignancies, such The main sources of light
referring to artificial light which shines as breast cancer. pollution mentioned in the
where it is neither wanted nor needed. In recent years, CPRE has carried out survey were:
In broad terms, there are three types of a variety of initiatives to find out more
light pollution: about light pollution, for example how Road lighting 89%
excess light affects people’s lives and Domestic security lights 79%
Skyglow – the pink or orange glow views of the night sky. Old street lights
we see for miles around towns and cities, (>5 yrs old with orange glow) 77%
spreading deep into the countryside, Sources of light pollution Businesses 56%
caused by a scattering of artificial light In 2010, CPRE worked with the Campaign Sports grounds 53%
by airborne dust and water droplets; for Dark Skies to carry out a ‘Lighting Supermarkets 41%
Nuisance survey’6 to find out how light
Glare – the uncomfortable brightness pollution is affecting people’s lives.
of a light source; Almost 1,400 people took part and the Many of the people who took part in the
results showed the range of sources survey said they were angry and frustrated
Light intrusion – light spilling that cause a light nuisance; road lighting about the problems caused by light
beyond the boundary of the property was cited as a source of light pollution pollution. Some people responding to the
on which a light is located, sometimes by almost nine out of ten respondents, survey had moved house to escape from
shining through windows and curtains. along with almost eight in ten people the problems caused by light intrusion,
who mentioned the orange glow of one respondent said that ‘The street lights
Light pollution can also affect wildlife. older streetlights. are one of the reasons I am planning to
Artificial light can interrupt natural move house within the next few years.’
rhythms including migration, reproduction
and feeding patterns. For instance, The survey revealed that:
man-made light is known to cause
confusion to migrating birds, often with l 3% had their home view of night
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fatal outcomes. Exposure to artificial sky blighted by light pollution;
light, which simulates short nights, is l 50% of the respondents had their
known to induce early breeding in some sleep disrupted by light spilling in
species of birds. Another well-known to their bedrooms;
example is the effect on the feeding l 68% have fitted thicker curtains;
behaviour of bats caused by insects l 37% told us that excess lighting
clustering around outdoor light sources.4 shines across their drive or garden;
There are also concerns about the l 30% said that light intruded into
effect of light pollution on people. another room in their property;
Recent studies5 suggest that exposure l 71% of people had not complained
to light at night can disrupt the body’s to anyone about the lighting;
production of melatonin, a brain hormone l 24% had complained to their local
best known for its daily role in resetting council but only 27% of those said
the body’s biological clock. Secreted their council had been supportive.
primarily in the brain, and at night,
melatonin triggers a host of biochemical
activities, including a nocturnal reduction
in the body’s production of oestrogen.
Research has shown that decreasing
nocturnal melatonin production increases Canbury Park Road, Kingston-upon-Thames,
by day and by night
4
Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution Artificial Light in the Environment (2009) https://www.gov.uk/
government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/228832/9780108508547.pdf.pdf
5
British Astronomical Association’s Campaign for Dark Skies Blinded by the Light? A handbook on light pollution
Chapter 4 ‘Light pollution and human health’ Steven W Lockley Ph.D
6
CPRE Lighting Nuisance survey (2010) http://www.cpre.org.uk/resources/countryside/dark-skies/item/1974-lighting-
nuisance-survey-2009-10-report
5
Shedding light Lighting and CPRE
A survey of local authority
approaches to lighting in England
Night Blight maps broadly consistent each year. Around
FIG 1 CPRE’S LIGHT
In 2003, CPRE published satellite maps of 8,000 star counts have been submitted
POLLUTION MAPS
the UK in 1993 and 2000 which showed, since the survey began. Star Count 2014
for the first time, how much light was revealed that only 4% of participants
spilling up into the night sky. The data said they could see more than 30
revealed that light pollution increased stars, which the British Astronomical
by 26% in England and 24% across the Association deem to show truly dark
United Kingdom as a whole. The maps skies, compared with 59% who saw fewer
showed the brightness of night time lights than ten stars in Orion – a level which
at both a national and regional level. indicates severe light pollution.
The maps were created by dividing the
land surface into small pixels less than CPRE county branches and
a mile across and giving them each a the light pollution campaign
value – from 0 to 255 – according to the CPRE has branches in every English
accumulated brightness of lights within county and many of them work locally
each square. The scale was then divided in the campaign against light pollution,
into five bands – from darkest blue, to two for example:
lighter blue shades, to yellow then red
(see the key alongside fig 1). Red shows l PRE Norfolk engages with public
C
the brightest pixels, yellow corresponds to and private sector organisations
sprawling suburbs, towns and lit stretches and individuals in order to prevent 1993
of roads and the darkest blue covers the unnecessary, excessive and
most remote, thinly populated areas. inappropriate lighting in the county.
Across England, 26% of all pixels, The branch have organised conferences
representing just over a quarter of the on the issue and have also recognised
nation’s total land area, had shifted up a good practice, giving CPRE Norfolk
brightness band while only two per cent Awards to sensitive lighting schemes.7
had shifted down a band. The biggest l CPRE Isle of Wight presented a ‘Good
change of all involved the two lighter blue Lighting Award’ in 2013 to the island’s
bands, with great tracts of the lowland highway service provider for their work
countryside becoming more brightly lit to enhance or replace all street lights
at night. The proportion of England’s across the island by 2016, converting
land area within the darkest band fell existing lights to energy-saving, carbon
from 15% in 1993 to 11% in 2000. efficient LED units. The branch is also
part of the ‘DarkWightSkies’8 initiative
Counting stars to monitor which aims to gain ‘Dark Skies’ status
light pollution for the Isle of Wight.
In 2007, CPRE and the Campaign for l Friends of the Lake District, CPRE’s
Dark Skies organised a Star Count to representatives in Cumbria, ran a pilot 2000
encourage the public to get engaged with project in 2011/12 called See the Stars9,
the campaign against light pollution. funded by the Lake District Sustainable
KEY
We asked people to count the number Development Fund. The project aimed
of stars they could see within the Orion to interest people in the night sky and 0 – 1.7
constellation and send us their result. raise awareness of how light pollution 1.700000001 – 50
We then created a map of star counts is spoiling our view of the stars, as 50.00000001 – 150
around the country to illustrate how light well as wasting energy and money. 150.0000001 – 240
pollution affects people’s view of the night As part of this work they produced a 240.0000001 – 255.163325
sky. We also ran the event in 2011, 2012 ‘Stargazing Guide for Beginners’ leaflet.
and 2013 and the results have been
7
CPRE Norfolk: http://www.cprenorfolk.org.uk/campaigns/light-pollution/
8
CPRE Isle of Wight and the DarkWightSkies initiative: http://www.darkwightskies.com/
9
Friends of the Lake District: http://www.fld.org.uk/see-the-stars.html
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6
Shedding light Planning, lighting
A survey of local authority and the law
approaches to lighting in England
Planning, lighting
and the law
National planning are exempt from the statutory nuisance
Ineffient car park flood
In March 2012, the Government regime for artificial light, so it is even lighting in Eynsford, Kent
introduced the first ever policy to more important to get the lighting design
control light pollution in the NPPF. for these premises right at the outset’.
CPRE welcomed this as a significant step The Guidance goes on to explore
forward. Paragraph 125 of the NPPF which factors should be considered
states: ‘By encouraging good design, when assessing whether a development
planning policies and decisions should proposal might have implications for light
limit the impact of light pollution pollution and which factors are relevant
from artificial light on local amenity, when considering where, when and how
intrinsically dark landscapes and nature much the light shines and possible
conservation.’ CPRE had campaigned for ecological impacts. CPRE applauds the
many years for planning guidance to Department for Environment, Food and
control light pollution, so we welcomed Rural Affairs for its proactive work on
this important move. this issue and its willingness to take on
National Planning Practice Guidance board the views of CPRE in creating this
has also been published (in March 2014) Guidance. We hope that it will encourage
on how local authorities should address more local authorities to address light
light pollution10. This Guidance sets out pollution by adopting effective local
how the Government defines the link planning policies in their Local Plans
between lighting and planning: and associated local guidance.
‘Artificial light provides valuable
benefits to society, including through IF SOMEONE’S LIFE IS health or a nuisance’ a criminal offence.12
extending opportunities for sport and BEING NEGATIVELY AFFECTED This law does not tackle all forms
BY EXCESSIVE LIGHT THIS
recreation, and can be essential to a new of light pollution, only incidents of
COULD BE DEEMED AS A
development. Equally, artificial light is LIGHTING NUISANCE particularly bad lighting from some types
not always necessary, has the potential of premises which cause people real
to become what is termed ‘light pollution’ One of the aims of our survey was nuisance. But CPRE would like to see it
or ‘obtrusive light’ and not all modern to find out whether the NPPF policy used, to raise awareness of the issue and
lighting is suitable in all locations. It can to control light pollution has made a to help people who are suffering from
be a source of annoyance to people, difference to how lighting is dealt with severe light pollution. If someone’s life is
harmful to wildlife, undermine enjoyment by local authorities. being negatively affected by excessive
of the countryside or detract from light this could be deemed as a lighting
enjoyment of the night sky. For maximum Lighting and the law nuisance, although it may not fall
benefit, the best use of artificial light is CPRE welcomed the first UK law tackling under the official criteria for a statutory
about getting the right light, in the right light pollution which came into force in nuisance. For example, if a street light is
place and providing light at the right time. 2006 under Section 102 of the Clean shining into a bedroom window it can
Lighting schemes can be costly and Neighbourhoods and Environment Act affect quality of sleep but it is exempt
difficult to change, so getting the design (2005)11. Exterior lighting joins noise and from the statutory nuisance criteria.13
right and setting appropriate conditions smells on the list of things that can be
at the planning stage is important. treated as a statutory nuisance; things
In particular, some types of premises against which local council Environmental
(including prisons, airports and transport Health Departments can take legal action.
depots where high levels of light may be The law makes ‘exterior light emitted
required for safety and security reasons) from premises so as to be prejudicial to
10
Planning Practice Guidance: Light pollution http://planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk/blog/guidance/
light-pollution/
11
Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (2005) http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/16/part/9/crossheading/
statutory-nuisances
12
Morgan-Taylor, M. (2012) The Legal Methods of Controlling Light Pollution in the UK. in Conference proceedings,
pp 257-276, 19 September 2012, Seoul, Korea http://www.sustainablehealthybuildings.org/PDF/8th/martintaylor.pdf
13
CPRE Light pollution as a statutory nuisance: a how to guide (2014) http://www.cpre.org.uk/resources/countryside/
dark-skies/item/3545-light-pollution-as-a-statutory-nuisance-a-how-to-guide
7
Shedding light
A survey of local authority
approaches to lighting in England
Survey results
and analysis
The results and analysis are divided into
six sections which include CPRE’s view
and recommendations:
Local planning and lighting
Street light switch-off schemes
Street light dimming schemes
Crime and
street lighting ew lighting in
N
previously unlit areas
Lighting types
Dunkery Beacon, Exmoor
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8
Shedding light Local planning
A survey of local authority and lighting
approaches to lighting in England
Local planning
and lighting
Find out more about how local authorities
deal with lighting, both in planning policies
and decisions about planning applications.
e asked local authorities
to tell us about how they
dealt with lighting in
connection with their
planning responsibilities, including policy
making and when making decisions on
planning applications. Out of the 76 local
authorities who responded to the question
on whether they had a lighting policy in
either their Local Plan or related document,
49 of them (65%) said they did have a
policy on lighting. This includes 12
county councils, 16 district councils, four
London Boroughs, seven Metropolitan
Boroughs and ten unitary authorities.
This is an improvement compared with
the survey we carried out in 2003. At that
time only 39% of respondents reported Full cut off lighting should be shielded when close to homes
they had specific light pollution policies
in their Local Plan and 7% had some
coverage of light pollution in other policies. Light pollution is defined as being any design quality, development must, at a
41 of 47 local authorities responding light emitting from artificial sources into minimum, meet the following principles,
said that it was the continuation of a spaces where this light is unwanted, such including: Require the design and
lighting policy they have had for some as spillage of security lights surrounding layout to take account of noise and light
time, this compares with six who said it car parking areas into residential implications, together with the amenity
was an entirely new policy due to the accommodation such as bedrooms, of adjacent residential areas or operations
NPPF. 16 said they had adapted the where this causes inconvenience to their of existing activities.’
lighting policy to comply with the NPPF occupants. Design solutions to control Hampshire County Council was one of
whereas over two thirds (34) had not the effect of new lighting may include the first local authorities to introduce a
adapted their policy. the type of technology used to control street lighting policy in 1994. The County
There was a wide variation in the length the distribution of light and minimise Council was hailed by the Institution of
of time that local authorities have had glare. Other solutions include screening, Lighting Professionals (ILP) as setting the
lighting policies in place, ranging from shielding, reducing lantern mounting standard for other local authorities to
under a year to some which had long- heights and managing the operating achieve. The Hampshire policy is now in
standing policies which have evolved over hours of the light source. The visual impact its 4th edition14 following a comprehensive
a number of years. The London Borough of light fittings should also be considered. review in 2009. The document aims to
of Barnet, for example, has had a policy Five of the local authorities who strike a balance between the aspiration
since 2006, which has been adapted to responded to the question about how long to reduce the effect of artificial light
become part of its Supplementary they have had a lighting policy said that intrusion on the night-time environment
Planning Document on Sustainable Design it had been in place for less than two and the need to provide the necessary
and Construction. This was adopted in years. An example is Stafford District illumination to enhance the safety of
April 2013 and states, in policy 2.4B: Council whose Local Plan is currently highway users. The county policy also
Light Pollution – Ensure that the design under examination. It includes a policy includes Environmental Lighting Zones
minimises adverse impacts from the under the design section (N1) which (as recommended by the ILP) and divides
lighting of a building or external areas. states that ‘To secure enhancements in Hampshire into four zones (see fig 2).
14
Hampshire County Council, Street Lighting Policy Document, 4th Edition http://www3.hants.gov.uk/street-lighting-
policy-100930.pdf9
Shedding light Local planning
A survey of local authority and lighting
approaches to lighting in England
87%
SAID THIS WAS A CONTINUATION
65%
OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES
OF AN EXISTING POLICY
13%
SAID THIS WAS AN ENTIRELY
HAVE A POLICY ON LIGHTING NEW POLICY DUE TO THE NPPF
Environmental Lighting Zones
Zone EI lighting should not be provided in Zone areas shall be lit to the levels originally
National Parks, Areas of Outstanding E2 areas unless the County Council, or the provided at the time of adoption. For the
Natural Beauty, Sites of Special Local Lighting Authority, deem it to be in sake of clarity, replacement columns
Scientific Interest and other the best interest of the local community shall be installed on a 1:4:1 basis with
Dark Areas from either a road safety or a personal new columns being positioned at the
The general presumption is that street security point of view. rear of the footway and on property
lighting should not be provided in Zone party lines wherever possible.
E1 areas unless the County Council, Zone E3
or the Local Lighting Authority, can Areas of Medium District Brightness Zone E4
demonstrate an overriding road safety (Low Crime Urban Locations) Areas of High District Brightness
issue which cannot be overcome by Roads falling into this category include (Major Traffic Routes, High Crime
other means. all urban residential local access roads Urban Areas, and Town Centres)
and footpaths (as defined by “Well Lit Major traffic routes are defined as all A,
Zone E2 Highways”) where reported crimes, per B and C class roads and contain all
Areas of Low District Brightness 1000 households, are less than, or equal strategic routes, main/secondary
(Rural Areas outside Zone E1) to, the County average. distributor and link roads as defined
The general presumption is that street As a general rule, roads in Zone E3 in “Well Lit Highways”.15
FIG 2 HAMPSHIRE ENVIRONMENTAL
ZONES FOR STREET LIGHTING
KEY
Zone E1
Zone E2
Zone E3
Zone E4
15
K Lighting Board Well-lit Highways: Code of Practice
U
for Highway Lighting Management (Updated 2013)
http://www.ukroadsliaisongroup.org/en/guidance/index.cfmPrevious Next Contents
10
Shedding light Local planning
A survey of local authority and lighting
approaches to lighting in England
Consideration of lighting impact said that they would consider a change in the development. Westminster Council
The survey asked local authorities what to the lighting of an existing development explained how it required a hotel in their
type of developments they considered or a highway proposal only if it required area to reduce up-lighting and remove
the lighting impact of; new development, planning permission. This could mean 250 items of equipment in order to
change to lighting of existing development that new lighting could be added to meet the Westminster Council Design
or highway proposals. 80 authorities an existing development without Guide requirements. North Yorkshire
responded (see fig 3). any restrictions. County Council described a recent case
Two local authorities described how where lighting design was provided
they lead on lighting designs for the by external consultants for a new
FIG 3 WHAT TYPE OF
majority of developments in their areas. housing development. However, the
DEVELOPMENTS DO LOCAL
This means they can monitor proposed design was amended by the council to
AUTHORITIES CONSIDER
THE LIGHTING IMPACT OF? lighting schemes put forward by developers reduce both the number and wattage
and recommend adjustments if needed. of the proposed lighting columns.
In Essex, Braintree District Council said Changes in land use can also mean
80 that all new major and the majority of adjustments to lighting requirements,
Number of local authorities who responded
78 considered
70 minor developments will have a lighting as a recent example in Dacorum,
condition attached which sets out the Hertfordshire shows. A planning
66 considered
60 agreed external lighting that is permitted application was submitted for a change
59 considered
50
40 Floodlighting from nearby rugby club in London
causing a nuisance to nearby homes
30
20
10
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en
en
elo g
po
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ev tin
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g d igh
yp
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Brighton and Hove City Council said
it considered the lighting impact of all
three types and explained that it was in
the process of developing a lighting policy
for the authority. A similar approach is
taken by Cumbria County Council in
its Cumbria Design Guide, which
addresses lighting on new developments,
replacement lighting on existing
developments and lighting for all highway
schemes as part of an Environmental
Impact Assessment. The London Borough
of Barnet and Worcester District Council11
Shedding light Local planning
A survey of local authority and lighting
approaches to lighting in England
71%
WHEN ASSESSING DEVELOPMENT
OR HIGHWAY LIGHTING PROPOSALS:
OVER TWO THIRDS
OF COUNCILS SAID
RECOMMENDED
ALTERATIONS TO A ENERGY
PROPOSED SCHEME EFFICIENCY
TO ENSURE LIGHTING IS WAS THE MOST
ONLY INSTALLED IF NEEDED IMPORTANT FACTOR
of use from household waste recycling was either very important or considered. later and turning off ten minutes earlier.
centre to waste vehicle depot with the Almost two thirds (47) of respondents They also dim lighting by means of
construction of new CCTV/lighting said that in relation to highway lighting photocell and electronic control
columns. The submitted lighting scheme proposals the ability to control the light technology located in individual lights.
was deemed unacceptable due to the centrally, e.g. to allow dimming, was We asked local authorities whether
sensitive location – classed as Zone E1 an important or a considered factor. they had recommended or required
Lighting Zone, close to a SSSI, within the Cumbria County Council stated that alterations to a proposed lighting
Chilterns AONB, open countryside and while they were not in a position to scheme to ensure lighting is installed
Green Belt – and a condition was imposed justify the costs of installing and appropriately and only if needed. Of the
to address this. maintaining a Central Management 69 local authorities who responded, 49
The fact that just 59 local authorities System they do trim the times lights said they had and 20 said they had not.
reported that they consider the lighting are on, e.g. by turning on ten minutes
impact of a highway proposal is due to
the mixture of district and county level
authorities responding to the question. FIG 4 HOW IMPORTANT ARE THESE FACTORS TO YOUR
LOCAL AUTHORITY WHEN ASSESSING DEVELOPMENT/
County and unitary councils have
HIGHWAY LIGHTING PROPOSALS?
responsibility for highway lighting in
their areas but would consult relevant
100%
district councils when considering a new
lighting scheme.
95%
95%
100
91%
We asked local authorities how
89%
85%
important a variety of factors were when
Percentage of local authorities who answered either
80%
assessing development/highway lighting
74%
proposals (fig 4). Out of 74 who responded 80
72%
to this question, over two thirds (51) of
‘Very important’ or ‘Considered’
65%
respondents said that the factor that was
59%
classed as most important was energy 60
efficiency. All respondents said that the
potential impact of light shining into
residential/business premises was either
40
very important or at least considered,
followed by more than 9 out of 10 (70)
respondents who said that the potential
impact of light pollution on the night sky 20
was very important or considered when
they assess lighting proposals; however,
four of the local authorities said this 0
factor was not a consideration for them.
This factor was closely followed by 70 Cost Impact of the street lights and columns
in the daytime (i.e. street clutter)
(95%) local authorities saying that lamp Energy efficiency
Impact of the street lights in the
design was either important or considered. Lamp design
open countryside
The potential impact of light on Potential impact on light pollution
Impact of the street lights in intrinsically
of the night sky
wildlife and habitat was classed as very dark landscapes (e.g. National Parks)
important or considered by more than Potential impact of lights shining
Ease of maintenance
into residential/business premises
9 out of 10 (91%) respondents while Ability to control the light centrally,
Potential impact of light on
slightly fewer respondents (89%) said wildlife and habitat
for example to allow dimming
that the impact of street lights and
columns in the daytime (i.e. street clutter)Previous Next Contents
12
Shedding light Local planning
A survey of local authority and lighting
approaches to lighting in England
Huntingdonshire District Council
Huntingdonshire District Council has strong planning
policies to control the use of artificial light in the area.
t has had a Supplementary 2) Need more information –
Planning Guidance document, e.g. luminaire type, lamp type, aiming Conditions for approval
‘External Artificial Lighting’, angle (if floodlight), mounting height
09001
since 1998 and includes a policy and iso-lux contours to 1 lux (which
Lighting scheme before installation
on obtrusive light in its draft Local shows where the light is distributed) Prior to the erection of or installation of
Plan to 2036. The draft Plan states: 3) Poor design and unacceptable for range any outdoor lighting onsite a detailed
‘Development proposals will be required of reasons e.g. glare, light intrusion or outdoor lighting scheme shall be submitted
to demonstrate how a high standard of sky glow being the main reasons. to and approved in writing by the Local
amenity for existing and future users, Planning Authority and thereafter
implemented in accordance with the
of both the proposed development and For the second and third options, the approved scheme.
surroundings, will be provided for with Project Engineer would try to have
specific reference to: e) the potential technical discussions with the applicant’s 09002
for adverse impacts on air quality, from lighting designer (if they had used one) Floodlight details
obtrusive light and the contamination with the aim of obtaining a scheme that Prior to the erection of the floodlights
of land, groundwater or surface water. gives the applicant lighting in the right hereby approved, details of the light source,
the headgear cowling and light intensity
The policy also defines obtrusive light place without affecting neighbours or footprint and spillage shall be submitted
as ‘Light pollution that includes the public amenity. A condition to secure this to and approved in writing by the Local
brightening of the night sky (sky glow), would then be attached to approval of a Planning Authority and thereafter
uncomfortably bright light (glare) and planning application (see box on the right). implemented in accordance with the
light spilled beyond the area being lit In 2011, the Council advised on approved details.
(light intrusion)’. lighting a proposed housing development.
09003
The council’s Project Engineer is The council’s Project Engineer specified Lighting scheme before development
sent planning applications that a pre-commencement condition on the Prior to the commencement of
involve external lighting so that they type of lighting that should be installed development (on any phase) a scheme
can advise on the proposal. There are but this was ignored and an inappropriate showing the method of lighting and extent
three possible outcomes: scheme was installed. The Planning of illumination to the access roads, parking
and circulation areas shall be submitted
Officer informed the developer they were to and approved in writing by the Local
1) Good, well-designed scheme – in breach of condition and the Project Planning Authority and thereafter
no objections if conditioned as per Engineer offered solutions. The developer implemented in accordance with the
the lighting design plan; then removed all unapproved lanterns approved scheme.
and bollards and installed appropriate,
approved lighting.
Before After13
Shedding light Local planning
A survey of local authority and lighting
approaches to lighting in England
THE TOP FACTORS
WHEN ASSESSING LIGHTING PROPOSALS:
1 ST
2 ND
3 RD
LIGHT MAY LIGHT MAY DESIGN
SHINE INTO POLLUTE OF THE
PROPERTIES NIGHT SKY LAMP
CPRE’s view
Newer lights but with sag lense so causing light
CPRE is encouraged that almost two pollution, shield fitted at request to council
thirds of local authorities have a lighting
policy in their Local Plan or similar.
Almost 90% of these policies were the
continuation of a long term lighting
policy and a third of these had been
adapted to comply with the NPPF.
Only six local authorities (13%) said
they had an entirely new policy due to
the NPPF. It is disappointing that there
is not more evidence of local authorities
adopting lighting policies. We would
like to see many more local authorities
adopting a lighting policy based on the
NPPF and the related National Planning
Practice Guidance on light pollution.
We believe that local authorities should
always consider the lighting scheme
of any new development and require
notification of a change to the lighting
scheme of an existing development.
The lighting impact of highway
proposals should also be given careful
consideration, particularly at junctions is used or installed in the most Recommendations
and roundabouts which may be closer sensitive zones it could do much to l ll local authorities should have a
a
to residential areas and visible over a prevent the spread of light pollution policy to control light pollution in
wider area. We welcomed the Highways and contribute to saving energy and their Local Plan, in line with the
Agency’s revision of standards in 2007 reducing carbon emissions. National Planning Policy Framework
to require there to be no light above the The top three factors that local and the associated National Planning
horizontal (90°), which was previously authorities consider when assessing Practice Guidance on light pollution.
mandatory only in National Parks. development/highway lighting proposals This should include identifying existing
CPRE hopes this means that if lighting were the potential impacts of lights dark areas that need protecting;
is to be installed along new stretches of shining into residential or business l local authorities should consider
road it will be full cut off flat glass which properties and light pollution of the preparing a Street Lighting Policy,
minimises light pollution. night sky, followed by lamp design. which could include Environmental
We also strongly support the CPRE welcomes the importance that Lighting Zones16 to ensure that
Institution of Lighting Professionals’ local authorities appear to place on the appropriate lighting levels are
recommendations for Environmental ensuring that new lighting schemes do used in each zone, with very strict
Lighting Zones, as adopted in Hampshire. not cause nearby residents a nuisance or requirements applying in identified
While this might be seen as a major project light pollution. However, there are still dark areas.
for a local authority to undertake, it would many thousands of cases of bad lighting
make a big difference to the protection of causing such problems, and we urge
dark skies and tranquillity. By ensuring all local authorities to take action to
that the most suitable, if any, lighting improve this situation.
16
Institution of Lighting Professionals Guidance Notes for the Reduction of Obtrusive Light GN01: 2011 https://www.theilp.
org.uk/documents/obtrusive-light/Previous Next Contents
14
Shedding light Street light
A survey of local authority switch-off schemes
approaches to lighting in England
Street light
switch-off schemes
Our survey asked local authorities if they are engaged
in a street light switch-off scheme – also referred to as
part-night lighting.
ut of 71 local authorities who of the county’s street lights have now
responded to this question been converted to operate for part of Money saved by adjustments
almost a third (23) said they the night only but the remaining 30% to street lighting
were switching off street of lights continue to operate overnight
lighting in their areas. Of these, 16 were and are on ‘A’ roads, town centres, Cost saving was a motivation for nine
permanent schemes and seven were junctions and roads with a history of out of ten (91%) local authorities who
trials. More than a third (39%) of the night time accidents. were running a street light switch-off
switch-off schemes had been running for Essex County Council was one of the scheme and eight out of ten (78%) of
a year or two, and a further quarter (26%) first to run a street light switch-off trial; those running a dimming scheme.
had been running for less than a year. part-night lighting has been in effect in
Maldon and Uttlesford since early 2007. Examples in this report are:
Here are examples of local The Council is nearing completion of
authorities who are exploring part-night lighting across the county, l Sefton Council expects to save
street light switch-off/part- following recent public consultations. £15,000 during 2013/14 by trialling
night lighting schemes: Over 70% of the 127,000 Council-owned switching off alternate street lights.
Sefton Council, in Merseyside, is running streetlights are switched off at night l Essex County Council previously
a street light switch-off trial where spent approximately £4.6m on
it is switching off alternate street THE REMAINING 30% OF electricity for street lighting
lights. Following a review and public LIGHTS CONTINUE TO OPERATE each year but expect that switching
consultation, it was agreed that selected OVERNIGHT AND ARE ON to part-night lighting will save
‘A’ ROADS, TOWN CENTRES,
lengths of semi-rural roads would be JUNCTIONS AND ROADS
approximately £1m per year.
subject to a 12 month pilot scheme WITH A HISTORY OF NIGHT l Bradford Council’s street light
during 2013/14. This scheme is expected TIME ACCIDENTS dimming scheme is designed to
to save the Council £15,000 during save £400,000 a year.
2013/14 and also reduce the Council’s between midnight and 5am, with certain l North Somerset Council estimates
carbon emissions. exceptions. The Council previously spent £300,000 a year will be saved
Cornwall County Council is running approximately £4.6m on electricity for following the completion of
both a street light switch-off and dimming street lighting each year but expects that their dimming and part-night
trial in nine villages across the county switching to part-night lighting will save lighting scheme.
where communities have shown an approximately £1m per year. It also
interest in operating reduced levels expects to reduce carbon emissions by
of street lighting. This follows the over 8,000 tonnes per year. We asked local authorities whether they
installation of new street lighting control Our survey asked local authorities what had to invest in new technology to run
system infrastructure and new lamp had motivated them to pursue a street the switch-off scheme. Almost two thirds
technology in over 51,000 street lights light switch-off scheme in their area; (62%) said they did compared with
throughout the county. Shropshire County 21 responded to this question. It comes just over one third (38%) who did not.
Council is engaged in a three year trial as little surprise that energy saving The majority of respondents (59%) did
to switch off 70% of the lighting in the topped the list with all bar one authority not plan to remove street lighting that
county (12,500) lamps. They also hope to (95%) saying it was a motivation, closely had been switched off but almost two
save up to 600 tonnes of CO2 per year, followed by cost saving cited by 19 out of ten (18%) planned to do just
which is around 15% of current street authorities (91%). A reduction in light that while almost a quarter (23%) were
lighting emissions in the county. pollution was cited as a factor by just two
For the last couple of years, out of five (43%) of respondents. Four of COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Hertfordshire County Council has been the local authorities also added that IS VITAL WHEN LOCAL
running a permanent street light switch- carbon reduction was an additional factor AUTHORITIES ARE
off scheme in all residential areas they considered. CONSIDERING PART-NIGHT
including towns and villages between LIGHTING AND SWITCHING
OFF STREET LIGHTING
midnight and 6am. Approximately 70%15
Shedding light Street light
A survey of local authority switch-off schemes
approaches to lighting in England
THE TOP REASONS
ALMOST
FOR SWITCHING OFF:
95% ENERGY SAVING A THIRD
OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES SAID
86%
SAID THE RESPONSE FROM
91% COST SAVING THEY WERE SWITCHING OFF
STREET LIGHTING, EITHER
THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
HAD BEEN MIXED ABOUT
43% RPOLLUTION
EDUCING LIGHT
PERMANENTLY OR AS A TRIAL PART-NIGHT LIGHTING
considering removing the lighting.
Exmoor National Park is a Dark Sky Reserve, which means
Community engagement is vital when it has exceptional views of the night sky
local authorities are considering part-
night lighting and switching off street
lighting, commonly between midnight
and 5am. Nine out of ten respondents
(91%) said they had consulted the local
community about the street light switch-
off scheme proposals (N.B. the remaining
two local authorities were not responsible
for the scheme or it related to a short
section of motorway.) For example,
Norfolk County Council said that they
carried out a written consultation process
with both key stakeholders and residents
of affected streets and that all feedback
was considered prior to part-night lighting
being implemented. In Cheshire, Halton
Borough Council published information
on the Council’s website and issued a
press release (due to the potential impact
being on the travelling public rather
than specific residents) to consult a
wider audience.
The survey asked how the local
community had reacted to the switch-off
scheme; 21 local authorities responded
and the majority – 18 (86%) said the
response had been mixed. This compares
with two local authorities (10%) who
said their community had been very
supportive and one (5%) who said the
community was not supportive.Previous Next Contents
16
Shedding light Street light
A survey of local authority dimming schemes
approaches to lighting in England
Street light
dimming schemes
An increasing number of local authorities are investing
in new lighting technology which can be dimmed –
allowing local discretion for lighting levels.
e asked local authorities
Sag lense with shield
whether they were
engaged in a dimming
scheme; almost half (32)
of the 67 respondents to this question
said they were. Of the councils who are
running a dimming scheme 26 said it
was permanent compared with five
who are currently running dimming
trials. Three quarters (23) of the 31 local
authorities who stated how long they
had been running a dimming scheme
said that it had been for under three years
with the remainder reporting that their
scheme had been running for between
three and five years.
Here are examples of local
authorities who are exploring
street light dimming schemes:
In West Yorkshire, Bradford Council‘s first
dimming scheme had been installed in
2008 in a mainly residential street in Dudley Council, in the West Midlands, has part-night lighting but not all lights
the outskirts of Bradford. The trial was is now rolling out a dimming scheme can be dimmed due to the cost of
unpublicised but was deemed a success to all residential areas in the Borough, dimming equipment; remaining street
due to there being no impact on public following a successful 2010 trial in a light columns will be replaced as needed.
safety. More than 1,000 street lights are housing estate, which required a small Up to 18,000 lights (80% of the lights
now being dimmed between 11pm and scale Central Management Scheme in North Somerset) could be converted
5am as part of energy saving measures (CMS)17 – this allows lighting to be tailored to part-night or dimming. The Council
across the district designed to save to the needs of different areas. A larger currently has more than 2,000 street
£400,000 a year and reduce power CMS scheme was commissioned in 2013 lights dimming at 50% between the
consumption by 25%. to operate borough-wide, complemented hours of 8pm and 6am and estimates
Northumberland County Council by a lantern replacement or conversion £300,000 a year will be saved following
described how they are currently in the programme which will install a white the completion of the lighting scheme.
process of appointing a private sector light source and CMS control across all East Sussex County Council is making
partner to help modernise the street residential roads by early 2017. changes to street lighting on residential
lighting stock within the county. It will A number of respondents described and main roads across the county to
involve the use of LED lighting and a how dimming schemes are underway save energy and money. There are
dimming regime for all residential in a variety of areas ranging from short two different lighting schemes in
lighting. Over the last year, the council sections of road to across entire counties. East Sussex – the LED Lighting Scheme
has begun installing LED luminaires and For example, North Somerset Council is and the Part-night Lighting Scheme.
are dimming residential areas with the running both street light switch-off and In Eastbourne and Hastings most of the
technology in place, between midnight dimming schemes across their area. lights will be changed to new white LED
and 6am. Over two thirds (70%) of North Somerset lighting and some lights will be dimmed
along main roads between midnight
and 6.00am. The Part-night scheme is
17
The central management system (CMS) uses wireless technology (radio waves) to communicate with each street light
that is being monitored. The operating times can be controlled and changed if required. Variable lighting levels, or
in operation in most other towns and
dimming, can be set to different levels and over different durations for those units that have a dimming module installed. villages in the county.17
Shedding light Street light
A survey of local authority dimming schemes
approaches to lighting in England
ALMOST
HALF
OF THE COUNCILS WHO
RESPONDED SAID THEY
WERE ENGAGED IN A
DIMMING SCHEME
Reducing carbon emissions by
adjusting street lighting
Old, inefficient sag lens lighting (right) next to new full cut-off lighting (left)
Many of the local authorities who took authorities who were running part-night l erbyshire County Council has a
D
part in the survey said how they hoped lighting schemes and more (97%) who commitment to reduce carbon
to reduce their carbon emissions by were running dimming schemes said that emissions by 25% by 2015 which it
adjusting their approach to street energy saving was the leading motivation. hopes to achieve through part-night
lighting. Almost a third (30%) of the UK’s Examples in this report are: lighting schemes.
carbon dioxide emissions come from l Leicestershire County Council is
fossil-fuelled electricity generation18. l hropshire County Council hopes
S aiming to reduce carbon emissions
As a result, the Government has to save up to 600 tonnes of CO2 per by 30% by 2014 by dimming and
initiated a mandatory carbon trading year, which is around 15% of current part-night lighting scheme.
scheme for large private and public street lighting emissions as a result l Cornwall County Council hopes to save
sector organisations called the ‘Carbon of their part-night lighting trial. up to 4,700 tonnes of CO2 per year due
Reduction Commitment’ which began l Essex County Council expects to to part-night lighting and dimming trial.
in 2011. The aim of this scheme is to reduce carbon emissions by over
reduce CO2 emissions by putting a price 8,000 tonnes per year due to their
on carbon. Almost all (95%) of local part-night lighting scheme.
18
Figure calculated from Department of Energy and Climate Change report on UK Greenhouse Gas Emissions
2012/2013: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/295968/20140327_
2013_UK_Greenhouse_Gas_Emissions_Provisional_Figures.pdfPrevious Next Contents
18
Shedding light Street light
A survey of local authority dimming schemes
approaches to lighting in England
Leicester City Council
Leicester City Council is updating its street lighting as part
of its commitment to reduce the council’s carbon footprint
by 50% before 2025.
he £13.9m project began in
March 2013, after a trial in
2010, and will contribute a
saving of 5,350 tonnes of
carbon emissions per annum. Leicester
City Council has a lighting stock of
37,490 public lights, of which 32,560 will
be replaced with LED lights. 4,930 of
the existing High Intensity Discharge
(HID) white light luminaire in the City
will remain unchanged. The replacement
units will be installed over a three year
period with the completion of the project
in March 2016.
Existing lighting is run at 100% of
the specified power output. This project New lighting in contrast to older
lighting in background, Leicester
includes a Central Management System
(CMS) which allows remote control of
lighting levels for individual streets. Replacing the existing lighting stock a year in electricity costs based on
Street lights are programmed to operate with LED luminaires will mean that 2013 prices.
at full power from dusk until 8.00pm energy usage and carbon emissions will The local community and the police
and at 75% from 8.00pm until dawn. be reduced by over 40% compared with have been quite supportive of the White
This level of reduction is not normally current levels, saving £0.84m a year in Light/CMS conversation project as they
noticeable to the human eye. The CMS electricity costs based on 2013 prices. were not able to tell the difference in the
will allow the use of other lighting Using the CMS should conservatively lighting levels after dimming. Leicester
patterns, customised by street, for provide a further 17% reduction on City Council plans to collate before and
example reducing down to 50% of these levels, increasing the overall savings after crime figures to assess any impact
maximum output from 11.00pm to 57% of current energy usage and this scheme may have had on night
to dawn. carbon emissions. This would save £1.2m time activities.
Investing in new technology in the process of installing 180 CMS street lights with 16,500 LED luminaires.
for dimming schemes controlled lanterns in an area of the City The new lights are expected to bring a 73%
We asked the local authorities who were that borders the South Downs National energy saving in street light consumption.
running street light dimming schemes Park. Bournemouth Council has been The Council currently spends £1.1m a year
whether they had to invest in new running a dimming scheme for almost on street lighting energy.
technology in order to run the dimming five years and has invested in a CMS As with the top reason cited for
scheme. Almost nine in ten (28) of switching off street lights, the leading
respondents had done so, compared with THE LEADING MOTIVATION FOR motivation for dimming lights was
four who said they hadn’t needed to. DIMMING LIGHTS WAS ENERGY energy saving at 97%. This is followed by
Cumbria County Council explained that SAVING AT 97% 78% of local authorities saying it was
it had investigated the potential for cost saving. Just over half (53%) said
introducing a Central Management which allows lower levels of lighting that reducing light pollution had been
System (CMS) to enable dynamic switching during quiet times but is boosted in the a factor. In West Yorkshire, Wakefield
of its road lighting. Brighton and Hove town centre for CCTV surveillance during Council said that ‘Improvements in light
Council said that it has invested in a trial busy club nights. The Council is planning pollution are a positive benefit of the
of a Central Management System and is to replace all of Bournemouth’s current actions driven by Climate Change ActYou can also read
