OBS works alongside architects, developers, planning consultants, ecologists and wider design teams to provide Lighting Impact Assessments and associated lighting design services across the UK.
Artificial lighting can transform how a building or landscape is experienced after dark. However, without careful consideration, it can also result in unwanted light spill,
disturbance to neighbouring properties, effects on wildlife and unnecessary contribution to sky glow.
A Lighting Impact Assessment (LIA) helps ensure that proposed lighting is appropriate for its surroundings and provides the technical evidence required to support a planning
application.
When is a Lighting Impact Assessment required?
A Local Planning Authority may request an LIA where a development introduces new external lighting or where nearby properties, wildlife or the surrounding environment
could be affected.
This can apply to a wide range of projects, including:
- Residential developments
- Hotels and hospitality
- Commercial developments
- Sports facilities
- Public realm and landscape schemes
- Façade lighting
- Rural or environmentally sensitive sites
Undertaking the assessment early allows potential lighting concerns to be addressed through the design rather than becoming an issue later in the planning process.
What does an LIA consider?
Every site is different, so the assessment should respond to the specific development and its surroundings.
At OBS, this typically includes reviewing the existing night-time environment, identifying nearby residential and ecological receptors, and assessing the proposed
lighting against relevant industry guidance.
Where required, photometric modelling can be used to demonstrate predicted light levels and light spill around the development.
The assessment may also consider factors such as luminaire positioning and shielding, colour temperature, operating hours, dimming and lighting controls.
Lighting and ecology
Where an ecology assessment identifies bats or other light-sensitive species, the lighting strategy should be developed alongside the ecologist’s recommendations.
Careful luminaire selection, shielding, warm colour temperatures, controls and the retention of dark areas can all help minimise the impact of artificial light on the
surrounding environment.
Designing lighting with planning in mind
The strongest approach is to consider lighting impact before the lighting scheme is finalised.
OBS can develop the lighting strategy alongside the Lighting Impact Assessment, allowing the design, luminaire specification and controls strategy to respond directly to
the site’s planning and environmental requirements.
This provides architects and developers with one coordinated approach covering both lighting design and planning compliance.
How OBS can help
OBS Lighting provides Lighting Impact Assessments and associated lighting design services across the UK, working alongside architects, developers, planning
consultants, landscape designers and ecologists.
Our approach combines considered lighting design with technical assessment to create solutions that meet the needs of the development whilst respecting the surrounding
environment.
Need a Lighting Impact Assessment?
If an LIA has been requested for your planning application, or you would like advice on an upcoming development, send us the site location, architectural drawings and any
relevant planning or ecology information.
We can review the project and advise on the appropriate next steps.