Knowledge hub

---

Guidance Note 01 (GN01) provides a UK framework for assessing and limiting obtrusive light, using Environmental Zones (E0–E4) to help designers and planning authorities minimise light pollution, protect dark skies and neighbouring properties, and ensure appropriate lighting design.

Guidance Note 08 (GN08), developed in collaboration with the Bat Conservation Trust, provides industry-recognised guidance for designing lighting schemes that minimise impacts on bats and is widely used by Local Planning Authorities to assess compliance with ecological and planning requirements where bats are present.

ILP Guidance Note 09 (GN09) provides practical guidance for homeowners, developers and designers on creating responsible residential lighting schemes, helping to minimise issues such as skyglow, glare and light spill while promoting the use of appropriate fittings and lighting controls.

Lighting Against Crime, produced by Secured by Design in partnership with the Institute of Lighting Professionals, promotes a balanced approach to lighting design that enhances safety and security by focusing on quality, visibility and user perception rather than simply increasing light levels.

The ROLAN Manifesto, developed by DarkSky International and partner organisations, sets out ten principles for responsible outdoor lighting, encouraging designers and decision-makers to question the need for lighting and, where required, ensure it is carefully targeted, controlled and no brighter than necessary.

A Review of the Impact of Artificial Light on Invertebrates, published by Buglife, brings together scientific research on the effects of artificial light at night on insects and other invertebrates, providing valuable evidence to help planners, ecologists and designers minimise ecological impacts and protect biodiversity.

The South Downs National Park Dark Skies Technical Advice Note (TAN) provides guidance on designing external lighting within and around a designated Dark Sky Reserve, promoting careful lighting design, low light levels and effective controls to protect night-time landscapes while supporting appropriate development.

Planning for the Conservation and Enhancement of Dark Skies in Wales provides national guidance on designing lighting schemes that protect dark skies, biodiversity and landscape character, helping planning authorities, developers and designers create proposals that align with Welsh planning policy and dark sky objectives.

The Bath and North East Somerset River Corridor Lighting Guidance, Protecting Bats in Waterside Development, provides a framework for designing lighting near watercourses to protect bat commuting and foraging routes, using corridor-based lighting zones to help minimise impacts on sensitive waterside habitats.