Understanding Planning Permission for Lighting

For most small lights inside or outside your home, you typically won't need planning permission. But when you add external lighting, such as security lights, it's crucial to think about how it could affect your neighbours. You are expected to make sure that the brightness and angle of any outdoor light don't bother others. Poorly planned or overly bright lights can genuinely annoy people.

Minimising Nuisance to Neighbours

Here's how you can reduce the chance of your outdoor lighting bothering others:

• You should never direct light beams straight towards the windows of neighbouring homes.

• When installing security lights that come with passive infra-red detectors (PIRs – these sense movement) or integrated timers, set them up with great care. Ensure their operation causes the least possible disturbance to those living nearby, and prevent them from being activated by routine traffic or people walking past your property.

It's important to understand that if your lighting creates a disturbance or if you fail to position or manage it responsibly, a neighbour has the right to pursue legal action against you.

Listed Buildings

If your home holds listed building status, you must always seek advice from your Local Planning Authority before you install any exterior lighting.