Light

Artificial light provides valuable benefits to society. It is important to get the right light, in the right place and for it to be used at the right time.

Light intrusion occurs when the light spills beyond the boundary of the area being lit. For example, light spill can result in safety impacts related to:

• the impairment or distraction of people (for example, when driving vehicles)
• health impacts arising from impaired sleep
• cause annoyance to people
• compromise an existing dark landscape and/or adversely affect natural systems (for example, plants, animals, insects and aquatic life).

Intrusive artificial light could be classed as a statutory nuisance, For the artificial light to count as a statutory nuisance it must be causing one of the following:

• unreasonably and substantially interfere with the use or enjoyment of a home or other premises
• injure health or be likely to injure health

To assess whether artificial light causes nuisance, the Council would consider the following:

• whether it interferes with the use of a property
• whether it may affect health
• how it’s likely to affect the average person (unusual sensitivities aren’t included)
• how often it happens
• how long it lasts
• when it happens
• whether it’s in the town or country

If a statutory nuisance is happening, has happened or will happen, the Council could serve an abatement notice to restrict or stop the light. However, statutory nuisance does not apply to artificial light from certain premises, for example, railway premises, bus stations, street lights, army bases. Please note, some businesses, trades, industrial and sports premises may have grounds for appeal against abatement notice and defence against prosecution.

Find out more about light pollution on the Government’s website (external link).

Report a problem

To report a light pollution problem, please email environmental.health@surreyheath.gov.uk (link sends email).