New lighting guidance launched to help protect the Chilterns’ dark skies

We’re excited to announce the launch of the Chilterns Lighting Planning Guidance – a new resource to support local authorities, town and parish councils, and residents in reducing light pollution in and around the Chilterns National Landscape.

Whether you’re reviewing planning applications, preparing a neighbourhood plan, or planning an extension or outdoor lighting project at home, this guidance sets out practical ways to reduce light pollution and protect our dark skies. 

Why dark skies matter 

The Chilterns’ dark skies are a treasured part of the landscape – supporting wildlife, maintaining the area’s rural character, and offering everyone the chance to experience the wonder of the night sky. 

Excessive or poorly designed lighting can: 

• Disturb nocturnal wildlife such as bats, owls, and insects 

• Disrupt natural ecosystems and behaviour patterns 

• Increase energy consumption and carbon emissions 

• Erode the scenic and tranquil qualities of the landscape 

By keeping lighting to a minimum and only using it where and when it’s really needed, you’ll be helping to safeguard the Chilterns’ natural beauty, biodiversity, and special qualities. 

About the guidance 

The new Model Lighting Policy and its supporting appendices provide: 

• Clear principles to inform development management decisions 

• Practical advice for residents, planners, and designers 

• Best practice examples and design tips  

• Reference to national guidance for intrinsically dark zones 

It is designed for use: 

• By local authorities when preparing local plans and assessing planning applications 

• By town and parish councils in responding to planning proposals and shaping neighbourhood plans 

• By residents and landowners undertaking any project involving outdoor lighting 

In line with our management plan 

This guidance directly supports the Chilterns National Landscape Management Plan, including: 

• DP8: Dark Skies – “Keep skies dark at night by only using light where and when needed. All new lighting should be the minimum required and demonstrate that it complies with published guidance for intrinsically dark zones. Avoid architectural designs that spill light out of large areas of glazing.” 

• DP15: Restore Dark Skies – “Seek opportunities to remove or replace existing inappropriate external lighting to restore dark skies at night.” 

Together, these policies aim to protect and restore one of the defining qualities of the Chilterns landscape. 

“Preserving dark skies is essential for protecting our natural environment, human health, and the beauty of the night,” says Matt Thomson, Head of Strategy & Planning at Chilterns National Landscape. “By following our new Chilterns Lighting Planning Guidance, we can all ensure that future generations in the Chilterns can continue to marvel at the stars, wildlife can thrive, and our ecosystems remain balanced.” 

We encourage all councils, planning professionals, and residents in the Chilterns to explore the guidance and help us protect this special landscape – day and night.

Read the Chilterns Lighting Planning Guidance