Lighting - Lighting Impact Assessments

At M-EC, we provide lighting impact assessments for new and existing installations and to form part of an environmental impact assessment (EIA).

Our trained team assess the impact existing lighting and lighting design have on residential and ecological areas surrounding the lighting location. We work with local authorities, developers, consultants, architectural practices and manufacturers, offering structured, efficient and cost-effective solutions to deliver the best possible outcome for our clients.

No matter the stage of your planning application, our lighting team can help support you at each step of the process. 

Pre-app – We provide scoping documents and advice within the early stages of the project to any unwanted surprises as the project progresses.  

Constraint plan – Using a redline boundary, our team can produce a potential constraint plan that considers both existing lighting or potential light-sensitive residential or ecological areas surrounding the proposed site. 

Site visits – Our lighting surveys are undertaken in compliance with the Institute of Lighting Professionals  (ILP) lighting guidance, using a high-spec calibrated lux meter at a range of points surrounding the location. These are taken during the hours of darkness to establish existing baseline lighting levels to evaluate which environmental zone the project is located within. 

Environmental Lighting Planning reports - To complete a Lighting Impact Assessment, we will undertake the following tasks: 

• A lighting survey. 
• A desk-based assessment of the location to identify any light-sensitive receptors surrounding the project. We also identify any site-specific local or national planning policy with respect to lighting; this includes liaison with any project landscape consultants and ecologists where applicable. 
• If required, a 3D lighting model will be produced. All our lighting assessments are compliant with the Institute of Lighting Professionals (ILP) guidelines and, where appropriate, will assess surrounding residential and ecological receptors. This will be done using the latest industry-standard software such as lighting reality, relux and dialux. 
• A dark skies assessment will also be undertaken to minimise any unwanted light spill into the night sky from any proposed lighting design. 
• Produce an ISO Lux contour map of the design proposals and if required, specify any mitigation needed to meet the relevant ILP or British Standards. 
• The results, assessment and findings of the assessment will be presented within a detailed technical report, suitable for submission to the LPA. 

Discharge of Conditions – We have vast experience in discharging conditions, working with the client and external bodies to achieve the best outcome.