This private home was set within a relatively dark zone in Berkshire, and the owners wanted to apply for planning permission to extend the property . Their application needed to demonstrate that no excess light would spill to the property boundaries, and that existing bat and bird housings would be undisturbed – but the lighting proposed would also need to be adequate for the owners as well.

We were approached by the owners to support them with their application, and ensure that the lighting elements of the proposal would balance all these needs.

We undertook a virtual survey of the current house, and used 3D lighting level calculations to assess the impact of the existing internal lighting, and the new proposed external lighting.  We identified the locations of the bird and bat boxes, which confirmed that commuting and foraging bats were present within the project boundaries.

With this information in hand, we created new lighting design proposals to limit the impact of light pollution from artificial light on the neighbouring nature conservation. We created lighting calculations to present an isolux contour map, and gave careful consideration to the lighting equipment and methods to be used as measures to avoid unnecessary light pollution, and to keep any light spillage to 1lux both vertically and horizontally.

Our lighting plan was sensitive to the needs of the area, but practical and attractive for the owners – and planning permission was granted.

Located within a quiet E2 environmental zone and valley, this was treated as an effective dark sky area of the Kent countryside. A former stable yard here was to be transformed into a work and production space for a print company relocating from southeast London, complete with additional office space for other small businesses.

We were brought on board by Ecology Consultants and bat experts Ecology-by-Design to work with the client from Aspect Press, and their planning consultants Fuller Long, to survey the existing site and plan a new exterior lighting scheme. This was required to help discharge a planning condition relating to a section about a recent bat report in the area.

We provided the client with a full lighting strategy that would be sensitive to the surrounding wildlife and migratory bats. This included an Isolux contour map showing light spillage down to 1LUX, a schedule of lighting equipment, and control guidance. The scheme covered all the staff areas, parking, entrances, and delivery areas.

The new scheme would provide a safe, welcoming, and working environment for the premises for both employees, visitors and tenants – and we are proud to report that planning permission has been granted, lighting scheme included.

A five-house development within rural Buckinghamshire required an extensive external lighting report for the planning permission. The development is located within a relatively dark sky rural zone, which means that absolute minimal lighting impact was essential, especially for the suspected migratory bats in the area.

SKR were appointed by Lucy Homes and immediately undertook a desktop virtual lighting survey of the area, with assessment of how the land is currently used, and the surrounding buildings. SKR discussed the requirements for the development project with architects Paul Southouse Architects, ecologists Ethos Environmental Planning and landscape architects Artemis.

We provided a sensitive lighting design to give a simple, cost-effective lighting plan for each dwelling, as well as a solution for the communal drive. It specifies precise and efficient lighting equipment, designed for minimal impact on the dark rural zone setting. The lighting scheme is energy efficient, sustainable, and cost effective – and it will be easy for homeowners to maintain into the future.

This beautiful property is located in an E2 environmental zone, in a relatively dark sky areas of the countryside, south of Cambridgeshire. The owners wanted to add an elegant new kitchen extension, but their first planning application was rejected, because of concerns that the light pollution from the new addition would be too intrusive on the neighbouring church and churchyard, to the detriment of the area.

Their architect, Neil Dusheiko, approached us at SKR to assist and advise on the plans for lighting the interior and exterior of the extension, to ensure that the plans would demonstrate how sensitive the new build would be to its setting – and even complementary. We also worked very closely with planning consultant Jacquie Andrews from Howard Sharp & Partners.

The final lighting report for the planning application focused on all elements of the new scheme, and more: the original building, the area surrounding the property, and the exterior lighting within the church grounds.  We undertook extensive exterior light measurements, a photographic survey, analysis of all current and new interior house lighting, and a 3D light calculation modelling analysis.

Bringing all these elements together, we were able to prove that there would be no significant light pollution, and that the new project would in fact be an improvement to the lighting footprint of the area.

We are proud to report that with our assistance and expert input, the new planning application was passed without objection.

 This was the client’s testimonial

“We used Neil Skinner at SKR LIGHTING DESIGN for a lighting survey which we needed for our planning application. We had been refused planning siting light pollution on the Church adjacent as the reason. Neil came on site to gather an extremely thorough amount of evidence which was presented in a clear and professional report which we could submit to planning, which subsequently reversed the rejection from the planning dept without having to go to appeal.

Neil was a pleasure to work with, his attention to detail and timings was exemplary. I would highly recommend Neil Skinner and SKR.”

Located within a high district brightness area of Central London, this was treated as an urban setting, with high levels of night-time activity. A local authority public housing tower block, with outdoor areas, of which the public would be able to access.

We were brought on board by Ecology Consultants and bat experts Ecology-by-Design to work with the construction firm Bennett Construction and their architects Hester Architects, to survey the existing site and provide a lighting report, which would comply and satisfy the ecological requirements.

Working alongside the existing lighting manufacturers and suppliers, we provided the client with lighting guidance and recommendations, that would be sensitive to the surrounding wildlife and migratory bats. This included an Isolux contour map showing light spillage down to 1LUX, a schedule of lighting equipment, and control guidance.

The new scheme would provide a safe, welcoming, and working environment for the premises for tenants and visitors.

Located within rural North Oxfordshire, within a small valley and a nearby protected river, this was treated as a dark sky area. A four-dwelling development, a “lighting design strategy for biodiversity” was required before occupation. The site was previously used as farm buildings.

We were brought on board by the architects Richard Court Design LTD, to work alongside planning consultants JPPC Charted Town Planners, to survey the existing site and plan an exterior lighting strategy. Ecologist Windrush Ecology, had reported that bats could commute and roost within the site and surrounding area. The planned lighting must not disturb the wildlife and biodiversity.

We provided the client with a full lighting strategy that would be sensitive to the surrounding wildlife, whilst providing safe and functional illumination for the residents and users of the new dwellings. This included an Isolux contour map showing light spillage down to 1LUX, a schedule of lighting equipment, and control guidance.

The new scheme would provide a safe, welcoming environment for the premises – this satisfied the condition for lighting for biodiversity within the original planning consent.

Located within an inhabited semi-rural E3 environmental zone, this was treated as a relatively dark sky area of Buckinghamshire. A multi-apartment refurbish development, with designed landscaped gardens and car parking.

We were brought on board by developer Mackenzie Homes to work with architects OSP Architects, who also acted as planning consultants, to survey the existing site and plan a new exterior lighting scheme. Ecologist Betts Ecology, had reported that bats could commute between a network of tree lined boundaries. The planned lighting must not disturb the wildlife and biodiversity, which was required to help gain planning permission.

We provided the client with a full lighting strategy that would be sensitive to the surrounding wildlife and migratory bats. This included an Isolux contour map showing light spillage down to 1LUX, a schedule of lighting equipment, and lighting control guidance.

The new scheme would provide a safe, welcoming environment for the premises – this satisfied the condition for lighting for biodiversity within the original planning consent.

This residential development is set within a relatively dark zone, and has existing external lighting – but more was required as the development expanded to enhance the security of the area. Bird and bat boxes are located nearby, and careful consideration was needed about the methods and equipment used to avoid unnecessary light pollution and to be sensitive to the needs of the local wildlife and environment.

At SKR, we created new lighting design proposals and calculations to limit impact of light pollution from artificial light, with any light spillage kept to 1lux both vertically and horizontally. We worked in partnership with the client, and with ecologist consultant Graeme Smart of GSL Ecology, to realise a simple, practical lighting scheme that gives enough task illumination, security illumination and guidance illumination for the owners, without disrupting the surrounding environments and biodiversity.

With these measures in place, the planning application was approved by the local authority.

This stunning riverside restaurant on the Thames was in need of expert help: they were seeking retrospective planning permission, and had to demonstrate sensitive external lighting within it. They needed to strike a balance between adequate lighting for their dining areas, with zero light spillage into the river, which boasts much aquatic biodiversity, wildlife, birdlife, and commuting and foraging bats.

We collaborated and coordinated with ecologist consultancy Ecology-By-Design to conduct a lighting survey of this area of river, and then created a unique technical lighting strategy that would meet both needs: illuminating the dining areas, with zero light spillage and light pollution into the river to disturb the local ecology and ecosystems. The strategy included an isolux contour map, with measures to avoid and limit the impact of light pollution from artificial light.