Lighting Assessment for Planning and Compliance
Regardless of whether you’re working on a construction, demolition, restoration or renovation project, a development comes with a lot of paperwork and hoops to jump through.
Something that could surprise you is that many planning applications are delayed because the lighting plan doesn’t meet the standards of the local authority.
With a professional lighting assessment, you can make sure that your proposed development has the perfect lighting to be safe and functional while meeting every lighting hurdle set by the local council.
Regulation for Lighting Compliance in Planning
Building regulations and British Standards are crucial for staying compliant when it comes to lighting design in planning, such as the use of BS 5266 for emergency lighting.
Part of this is considering things like the colour rendering index and colour temperature to guarantee that the lighting systems being used are fit for purpose.
Between development sites and living areas, it’s important that the technical expertise used on planning projects is up to date, legally sound and based on the latest guidance.
Services to Guide Planning Permission for Lighting
Instead of just picking out light fittings, a lot more goes into securing planning permission when it comes to lighting.
A range of services is available to ensure that light levels are correct. By looking at natural light alongside artificial lighting, it’s possible to create an inviting atmosphere that local authorities will approve.
Each solution aims to make sure that the energy usage is low and all lighting projects are compliant right from the first fix.
External Lighting for Planning Permission
Strictly controlling external lighting across any proposed development.
It’s essential for getting planning applications over the line in residential and commercial sectors, and it often involves defining light fixtures and light sources that create practical light for safety without causing glare.
Compliant Planning Lighting Layout
Mapping out exactly where ceiling fixtures, pendant lights and wall lights will go on a development site.
With the use of different zones, the whole space can get the right balance of illumination. It also avoids over-lighting and ensures an energy-efficient operation across the single space.
Environmental Lighting Impact Assessment
Calculating how bright light travels across a site and ensuring that the ambient lighting doesn’t disturb neighbours.
The impact assessment itself focuses on the technical spill of light and finds the perfect mood while staying within the limits of legal light levels.
Lux Level Survey
Measuring the intensity of light at ground level to meet the safety standards for different activities.
Whether it’s an internal dining table area in a living room or an external car park, a survey uncovers key data and sets the light levels exactly where they need to be.
Light Spill Assessment
Performing a double check of light fixtures across the site to prevent the project from causing a nuisance to the surrounding area.
Light spill applies any time lighting appears anywhere it isn’t wanted. The ambient glow from a site can be managed using dimmer switches and smart lighting design.
Lighting Design Strategy
Combining the three main types of lighting – general lighting, task lighting and accent lighting – to create a practical space.
A strategy uses layered lighting to add depth and a wow factor to a site. With three layers of light, the lighting will have more flexibility to suit different moods and adapt to different times of day.
Reports from a Lighting Assessment for Planning
The chosen lighting scheme created during any of the services listed above will be presented in a detailed report.
Evidence from lighting strategies is vital for planners and developers because they give the local planning authority everything needed to discharge planning conditions.
A professional report will confirm to the local council that the lighting systems are compliant, such as details of LED strips and recessed lighting.
Once it’s been written and is ready to go, it will help to move away from the design stage and into the next phase of the development without a hitch.
Contact Us for Help with a Lighting Strategy
In your next project, it’s key to get a clear vision of how lighting will function within the space.
A comprehensive strategy will guarantee lighting compliance while balancing the practical and aesthetic needs of the building. In living rooms, for instance, the aim will be to create the right mood by layering different sources.
After identifying a focal point in a room, a lighting designer can use techniques like casting shadows to add depth and character. Modern schemes now focus on sustainability too, using lighting products that consume less energy than traditional setups.
Every element will be considered, from the placement of a ceiling light to the addition of a standing lamp to draw the eye upwards.
If you need expert advice on a commercial build or a residential development, a professional lighting strategy makes sure that your site is functional, compliant and visually appealing.
Our team can put you in touch with a top-rated service provider to help you with meeting any and all planning conditions related to lighting.
Let Arbtech Recommend a Service Provider
Arbtech leads the way when it comes to any issues in planning caused by ecology and trees, but for any services we don’t provide in-house, we can pass you on to another trusted service provider.
With lighting, we can recommend a partner company that delivers technical insight for developers and planners to meet the planning requirements set by their local authority.
The specialist consultancy for lighting solutions is ahead of the curve, using the latest lighting products, including smart wi-fi integrated systems and high-performance LEDs. From site-wide emergency lighting to the finer details of a domestic lighting plan, they are able to help with any potential issues or concerns.
In getting a referral through us, you are given the same assurances you would get for using our team directly on such things as the quality of the assessment, the reliability of the service provider, and the effectiveness of the solutions, strategies and results.
Ask our team for support by filling out a quote form online, emailing us or calling us. We can then send you across to our partner for a free quote. If you’re happy to move forward, you can start getting the help you need for strengthening planning applications and dealing with lighting compliance in the right way.
