Environmentally considerate lighting design
Designing useful light while protecting sensitive surroundings. We work with project teams and ecologists to reduce unnecessary illumination and retain darkness where it matters.
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Lighting consultancy
Lighting impact assessments for planning
Understand the effects of existing and proposed lighting before they become a planning obstacle. HDS assesses light spill, glare and sensitive receptors to develop proportionate mitigation for your project.
The scope
Support that fits your scheme.
- Baseline review of the site, surrounding lighting and relevant receptors.
- Assessment of proposed lighting against the project’s planning and environmental context.
- Mitigation through layout, optics, shielding, output, spectrum and operating controls.
What to send us
These details help us define the work and prepare a useful proposal. If some information is not available yet, tell us what stage you have reached.
- Site plan, location and planning reference where available
- Proposed lighting and operating hours
- Ecology reports, nearby receptors and planning comments
Before you brief the design team
Your questions, answered.
What should I send for a lighting impact assessment?
Send the site location, proposed layout and use, lighting information if available, planning conditions or consultee comments, and relevant ecology or landscape reports. These help define the receptors, scenarios and assessment scope.
Can an assessment inform the lighting design?
Yes. Considering sensitive boundaries and operating needs early can inform column heights, luminaire selection, aiming and controls. Assessment and design should be coordinated rather than treated as unrelated documents.
What happens where ecology is a concern?
Lighting design should be coordinated with the project ecologist and site-specific evidence. Existing dark areas, habitats and movement routes may affect the strategy. A lighting calculation alone does not replace ecological advice.
Connected expertise
Private exterior lighting design
Lighting for privately maintained roads, car parks, paths and public-facing spaces. We balance visual performance, maintenance and environmental effects around how your site will actually be used.
Lighting surveys and asset inspections
Reliable design starts with reliable site information. HDS surveys existing lighting to support asset management, upgrades, technical investigations and adoption.
Case study / Relevant experience
Almondsbury Land South of Gloucester Road (LIA)
Lighting impact assessment beside the M4/M5 interchange, with ecological corridors and a neighbouring heliport.
Read the case studyLet’s define the next step
What does your
project need?
Design advice, an assessment or a product quotation.
Start with the details you have.