Policy information sourced from Windsor and Maidenhead Local Plan

EP 3 Artificial Light Pollution

Development proposals should seek to avoid generating artificial light pollution where possible and development proposals for new outdoor lighting schemes that are likely to have a detrimental impact on neighbouring residents, the rural character of an area or biodiversity, should provide effective mitigation measures. Development proposals which involve outdoor lighting must be accompanied by a lighting scheme prepared according to the latest national design guidance and relevant British Standards publications.

Development proposals should seek to replace any existing light installations in order to mitigate or reduce existing light pollution.

Thedistinctionbetweenurbanareasandthecountrysideshouldbe maintained. Todetermine whether development proposals involving artificial lighting have a detrimental impact, they should be assessed in accordance with the zone in which they are located (E2, E3 or E4) on whether they have the potential to cause harm to the health or quality of life, or to affect biodiversity.

All artificial lighting must be directional and focused with cowlings to reduce light spill into river corridors and other wildlife corridors.

Development proposals should show how they have addressed the environmental zone in which the application is proposed and suggest mitigation measures and methodology accordingly and will also require where appropriate development proposals include landscaping measures to effectively screen lighting installations. The use of overly sensitive ‘movement triggered’ lighting will be resisted where it would impact on the amenity of the area.

With particular reference to floodlighting schemes, development proposals should not have an adverse effect on adjacent areas and use suitable methods for data provision, such as an isolux diagram.

For more information please see the Local Plan