Plans for an ambitious new conservation-led wildlife, education and visitor destination located near Burley and Rutland Water.
The proposals aim to create a nature-focused visitor attraction that brings together wildlife conservation, education and leisure experiences, alongside supporting tourism and biodiversity initiatives.
The site itself covers a large rural area currently made up of farmland and woodland, including areas of ancient woodland, positioned between Oakham and Rutland Water. The surrounding landscape is relatively dark and environmentally sensitive, meaning careful consideration of lighting and its potential impacts formed an important part of the planning process.
MEC supported the project team by undertaking a Lighting Impact Assessment to understand how external lighting associated with the development could affect nearby residents, wildlife habitats and the wider rural landscape.
Our lighting team carried out a detailed assessment of the proposed development to evaluate the potential impact of artificial lighting across the site.
The work began by reviewing the site context, surrounding receptors and baseline lighting conditions. Given the rural setting and proximity to woodland habitats, particular attention was given to potential effects on ecological receptors, including bat populations that may use the surrounding treelines for commuting and foraging.
Using industry-standard lighting modelling software, a three-dimensional model of the proposed development was created to assess potential light spill, glare and upward lighting effects. The modelling allowed predicted lighting levels to be tested against recognised guidance from the Institution of Lighting Professionals and relevant British Standards.
Due to the size and variety of uses within the masterplan, the site was divided into six lighting zones, each reflecting different operational requirements and environmental sensitivities. These ranged from visitor areas and leisure facilities to lodge accommodation, woodland paths and viewing platforms.
Across the scheme, the lighting strategy focuses on minimising environmental impact while maintaining safety and usability. This includes the use of dark-sky friendly luminaires, downward-facing fittings, low-level lighting and PIR-controlled systems to avoid unnecessary illumination.
Lighting colour temperature has also been carefully selected to reduce blue light emissions and limit disturbance to wildlife, while operational timings have been designed so that lighting use is minimal during periods when sensitive species such as bats are most active.
The assessment confirmed that the proposed lighting strategy would meet the relevant industry guidance for a rural environment and would not result in unacceptable impacts on surrounding properties or ecological habitats.
Modelling showed that predicted lighting levels at nearby residential receptors would remain within recommended limits, while lighting across woodland areas would remain below thresholds considered likely to affect light-sensitive species.
In addition, the proposed scheme achieves a predicted upward lighting ratio of 0%, meaning it would not contribute to sky glow or negatively affect the dark rural landscape surrounding the site.
The work formed part of the planning submission for the Wild Rutland project and supports the delivery of a carefully designed visitor destination that balances tourism, conservation and the environment.
For further information about our services, please click here.
back