Artificial light is essential in our modern society. However the increased use of light can cause problems. These include:
- People's sleep being disturbed by bright lights.
- The excessive brightness and poor alignment of some domestic and commercial security lights and sports ground floodlights.
- The brightening of the "sky glow" over towns and roads which obscures the night sky.
- Detrimental effects on wildlife.
- Concern about energy wasted by excessive lighting.
A light fitting will deliver light where it is needed, but will potentially also give four areas of unwanted, and wasted, light:
- Spill light - falls outside the area where it is needed, it can be avoided by pointing the light in the right direction.
- Upward light - this is wasted light shining above a light fitting, it is entirely avoidable by the correct use of the correct light fitting. Direct the light downwards wherever possible (this can also reduce glare).
- Upward reflected light - this is unavoidable and dependant on the reflectances of the surfaces below the light fitting, (dry tarmac will commonly reflect 7%, grass about 20-25%). This is another source of "sky glow". Remedies are to use only as much light on the surface as is really needed, and to try to select a surface which minimises reflectance.
- Direct glare - from seeing the bright filament of an unshielded light, troublesome and dangerous unshielded bright lighting. Direct glare is more wasted light and can be a major problem.
If you are experiencing light pollution from your neighbours try to speak to them and suggest the following possible remedies:
- Re-angling or partial shading of the light.
- Fitting of a passive infra red sensor.
- Using a lower power bulb.
It might help if you can show the neighbours the effect of the light from your side of the fence. You could also suggest that they may be wasting money on excessive lighting.
From 1 April 2006, light pollution was brought into the definition of a 'statutory nuisance'. This is defined as "artificial light emitted from premises so as to be prejudicial to health or a nuisance". It constitutes a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (provision added by the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005).
Light generated at a variety of types of premises are exempt from this new law, these area as follows: airports/harbour/railway/tramway/bus premises and any associated facilities, public service vehicle operating centres, goods vehicle operating centres, lighthouses and prisons.
In addition a statutory defence of 'best practicable means' will be available to:
- Artificial light emitted from industrial, trade or business premises.
- Artificial light emitted by lights used for the purpose only of illuminating an outdoor relevant sports facility.
We can investigate complaints about both residential and commercial premises and need the following information:
- Your name and address (we are not able to deal with anonymous complaints, but we will not disclose your name to the person that you are complaining about without asking you first).
- The address where the light is coming from and the name of the person responsible if you know it.
- How the light is affecting you.
- When and how often it occurs.
In the first instance we will write to the causing the light problem and offer advice. Often people are not aware that they are causing a problem. However if the problem continues we ask you to complete a diary and return it to us.
If the diary sheets are not returned we will assume that the warning letter has resolved your complaint and that no further action is required.
Once your record sheets have been returned the officer will contact you and discuss the case with you, setting out the method they will use to investigate your complaint.
What actions can we take?
The information you provide on the diary sheets will help the case officer to assess the light problem and decide what action can be taken.
We can take action if the light pollution is a nuisance in law (a "statutory nuisance”). We will assess the light to see if it is sufficient to be a nuisance.
We can then serve a notice under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 requiring the light pollution to be stopped.
Planning permission
Some lighting schemes need planning permission, usually as part of a building development of some kind. Lighting schemes for new building developments may have conditions imposed, as part of their planning permission, to ensure that no light pollution is created. If such lighting causes concern, through any conditions being breached, Planning Services could take enforcement action. Please contact Planning Services for further advice.