Light pollution

Report light pollution

Artificial light has many uses such as the illumination of streets and hazardous areas, security lighting and increasing the hours outdoor recreation facilities can be used.  

However, it can cause problems and light in the wrong place can be intrusive.

If you are experiencing a problem with light nuisance, for example from a neighbour’s security light, we recommend the following approach: 

  1. If possible, speak with the person responsible. Quite often the person causing the problem is unaware of the impact the lighting is having and contacting them informally can resolve the situation. In most cases issues can be resolved by ensuring the lights are situated in the right place, fixing sensors, swapping bulbs for lower wattage ones, or using shielding accessories.  
  2. Report a light nuisance. If issues cannot be resolved by conversation you can report a light nuisance to the council.

Advice on installing security or domestic outside lighting

The home security lighting found in many domestic locations uses floodlighting controlled by a movement sensor using Passive Infra-Red (PIR).

Using PIR controlled 250 or 500 watt tungsten halogen floodlights may not be the best choice for lighting your house or garden because these lights: 

  • can be unreliable  
  • may be ignored by householders and neighbours - people may not check why a light has activated
  • emit a harsh, intrusive and environmentally unfriendly light that can be a serious nuisance to neighbours  
  • are extremely energy inefficient 

When installing lights consider first if:

  • the light is in the best position and angled correctly
  • it is lighting areas it doesn't need to
  • it can be moved so it doesn't affect nearby properties
  • you really need the light 

If you feel that the lighting is necessary, the alternative is to use high efficiency, low energy lighting controlled by a motion sensor or a photo-electric cell (a dusk to dawn switch) for lights that need to be on permanently.  

Such low wattage lighting provides a more than adequate level of illumination, is not as harsh and is more environmentally friendly than tungsten halogen floodlights.  

A low wattage unit placed out of easy reach at a height of 8 to 10 feet could illuminate an average rear garden, helping to create a reassuring environment and hopefully playing its part in deterring burglars from selecting that house in the first place. In cost terms, the low wattage ensures that even though the light is on all night the cost of running it is minimal.  

For more information on this the Institute of Lighting Professionals has produced an easy-to-understand guide to domestic exterior lighting.

What to do if you are causing light pollution

If a neighbour does approach you about your security lighting, please try to understand their complaint.  

It is not unusual to inadvertently cause problems from intrusive illumination of neighbouring properties or excessive glare.  

If your lighting is causing a problem, then you are not only wasting energy and money but could be deemed to be causing a Statutory Nuisance (Section 79 of the EPA 1990, as amended by the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005).

Further information is available from our Environmental Health team. Please use our online enquiry form telephone 01353 665555.

Environmental Health Enquiry Form