Exterior Lighting Consultants

Great lighting doesn’t happen by accident

It happens when experienced people ask the right questions, understand the bigger picture and design lighting that works for everyone, from planners, architects and developers to residents and even wildlife!

At Designs for Lighting (DFL), that’s exactly what we do.

We’re an independent lighting consultancy specialising in exterior lighting design for developments across the UK. Whether it’s a new residential development, a major highway scheme, a public square, a sports facility or a sensitive ecological site, we help our clients create lighting that is safe, attractive, sustainable and ready for planning approval.

Our job isn’t simply to specify light fittings. It’s to solve problems before they become expensive ones.

We like to get involved early

The best lighting schemes are designed from the outset, not squeezed into a project just before planning or construction.

By working alongside architects, developers, planners and engineers from the early design stages, we can identify opportunities, overcome potential planning issues and ensure lighting complements the wider vision for the development.

It means fewer surprises, smoother planning applications and better outcomes for everyone involved.

Lighting expertise you can rely on

DFL has delivered thousands of lighting designs across residential, highways, commercial, public realm and infrastructure projects for local authorities, developers, architects and contractors across England, Scotland and Wales., our consultants understand not only how lighting should perform, but how developments are delivered.

Our team works to the latest British Standards, Institution of Lighting Professionals (ILP) guidance and planning requirements, ensuring every design is technically robust, environmentally responsible and tailored to the needs of each project.

From a single Lighting Impact Assessment to a complex, multi-phase development, we bring the same attention to detail and practical thinking to every commission. Explore how we can help with on Lighting Impact Assessments, ecological lighting, highway lighting design, planning conditions and lighting strategies

Our Exterior Lighting Design Services

Exterior Lighting Design
Street & Highway Lighting Design
Section 278 & Section 38 Lighting Design
Lighting Design for Planning Applications
Lighting Impact Assessments
Ecological Lighting Assessments
Residential Developments
3D Lighting Visualisations
Sports & Leisure Facilities
Public Realm Lighting
Commercial & Industrial Lighting
EV Charging Infrastructure
Planning Lighting Strategies
Planning Condition Discharge
Night-Time Lighting Surveys
Lux & Luminance Surveys
Feasibility Studies
Electrical Network Design

If your project isn’t listed, don’t worry. Chances are we’ve worked on something similar, so give us a call and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Planning can be complicated. Lighting doesn’t have to be.

External lighting is becoming an increasingly important part of the planning process. Councils, planning authorities and ecologists are placing greater emphasis on how lighting affects people, neighbouring properties, highways and wildlife.

That’s where we come in.

Our team produces clear, comprehensive lighting reports and designs that help planning officers make informed decisions and give our clients confidence that their projects are moving in the right direction.

We don’t just design lighting – we help remove obstacles.

Independent advice. Practical solutions.

Because we’re completely independent, we’re never tied to a particular manufacturer or product.

That means every recommendation is based on what’s right for your project, not someone else’s sales target.

Whether you need support for a single planning application or ongoing consultancy across a major development programme, we’ll work as an extension of your team, providing practical advice whenever you need it.

Why choose DFL?

There are plenty of companies that can produce lighting calculations.

We go a step further.

Our clients value us because we understand the wider challenges they’re facing, tight deadlines, planning pressures, sustainability targets, budget constraints and stakeholder expectations. We design lighting that helps solve those challenges, not add to them.

Not only that but our engineers are actively involved in shaping industry standards, serving on ILP committees and contributing to guidelines that other lighting consultancies follow. It’s why developers, architects, engineers, local authorities and planning consultants continue to trust DFL with some of the UK’s most interesting projects.

Let’s light the way.

Whether you’re at the concept stage, preparing a planning application or looking for specialist advice on an existing project, we’d love to hear about it.

Get in touch with the DFL team today and discover how great lighting can make your project shine for all the right reasons.

To get you started. Here are 5 questions DFL can answer for you straight away

When do I need a Lighting Impact Assessment?

A Lighting Impact Assessment (LIA) is typically required whenever a development proposes new or altered external lighting that could affect neighbouring properties, highways, biodiversity or the surrounding environment. Local Planning Authorities increasingly request Lighting Impact Assessments for residential developments, commercial sites, industrial facilities, sports lighting, public realm projects and developments close to sensitive ecological habitats.

A professionally prepared Lighting Impact Assessment demonstrates how a proposed lighting scheme complies with recognised guidance such as ILP Guidance Note GN01, CIE 150 and relevant planning policies. It considers light spill, glare, sky glow, vertical illuminance and the impact on nearby receptors, including residents, road users and protected wildlife.

At Designs for Lighting (DFL), we prepare independent Lighting Impact Assessments that support planning applications across the UK. By identifying potential issues early and recommending practical mitigation measures, we help developers, architects, planners and local authorities achieve planning approval while delivering safe, attractive and environmentally responsible lighting solutions.

What is the difference between a lighting strategy and a lighting design?

Although often used interchangeably, a Lighting Strategy and a Lighting Design serve different purposes within a development project.

A Lighting Strategy is typically prepared during the planning stage. It sets out the overall approach to external lighting, explaining how the development will provide safe, functional and attractive lighting while minimising impacts on neighbouring properties, biodiversity and the night-time environment. A lighting strategy supports planning applications by demonstrating compliance with planning policy and guidance before detailed design begins.

A Lighting Design is the detailed engineering solution produced once a project progresses. It includes lighting calculations, luminaire selection, column locations, electrical design, cable routes, lux levels, British Standard compliance, technical specifications and construction drawings ready for installation.

At DFL, we provide both Lighting Strategies and detailed Lighting Designs, ensuring there is a seamless transition from planning approval through to construction. This integrated approach reduces project risk, avoids costly redesigns and helps deliver fully coordinated lighting solutions.

Can DFL help discharge planning conditions?

Yes. Designs for Lighting (DFL) regularly prepares the information required to discharge planning conditions relating to external lighting throughout the UK.

Planning conditions often require developers to submit a detailed lighting scheme before construction or occupation. Depending on the Local Planning Authority, this may include a Lighting Strategy, Lighting Impact Assessment, detailed lighting design drawings, lux contour plans, light spill calculations, equipment specifications and evidence that the proposed lighting complies with recognised guidance such as ILP GN01, ILP GN08 (Bats and Artificial Lighting at Night) and relevant British Standards.

Our experienced consultants work closely with developers, planning consultants, architects and ecologists to produce clear, robust documentation that addresses planning requirements and responds to consultation comments where necessary.

By understanding both the technical and planning aspects of external lighting, DFL helps clients discharge planning conditions efficiently, reduce delays and move projects forward with confidence.

Do you work throughout the UK?

Yes. Designs for Lighting (DFL) provides exterior lighting consultancy services across the UK. Our consultants support projects throughout England, Scotland and Wales, working with developers, architects, planning consultants, local authorities, contractors and civil engineering practices.

We combine national experience with local knowledge, delivering Lighting Impact Assessments, highway lighting design, planning lighting strategies, ecological lighting assessments and detailed lighting designs for projects of every size. Whether your development is a single planning application or a large multi-phase infrastructure scheme, our independent lighting consultants can provide expert advice wherever your project is located.

What industries do you work in?

DFL works across a wide range of sectors requiring specialist exterior lighting design and lighting consultancy services. Our experience includes residential developments, highways, public realm, commercial and industrial developments, education, healthcare, sports and leisure facilities, retail parks, logistics, renewable energy, EV charging infrastructure, rail, aviation and sensitive ecological sites.

We also support architects, developers, planning consultants, civil engineers, contractors, local authorities and asset owners with lighting strategies, Lighting Impact Assessments, planning condition discharge, highway lighting design and electrical infrastructure design. Whatever the project, our focus is on delivering practical, compliant and sustainable lighting solutions that support successful planning and construction outcomes.

Contact us to collaborate on your next project!

For Hassle Free Lighting Impact Assessments (LIA)

Work with our Lighting Design Professionals

Lighting Impact Assessments (LIAs) are crucial for planning approval and environmental compliance. At DFL, we conduct detailed LIAs, assessing the potential effects of your lighting installation on both the immediate environment and wider surroundings.

Our specialists help mitigate risks, ensuring compliance with local policy and guidance while maximising the functionality and efficiency of your lighting design. Whether it’s for a commercial, residential, or public space, our LIAs are thorough, accurate, and designed to streamline your project’s approval process.

External lighting on a modern house showing light spill

Our work

Are you ready to work with a professional lighting design team?

Ready to collaborate with a leading lighting design team? As one of the UK’s top independent lighting companies, we’ve proudly worked with councils, public bodies, and developers nationwide. Our experienced team of specialists offers a full range of lighting design services, tailored to meet the unique needs of each project. With a commitment to quality and innovation, we consistently deliver solutions that exceed expectations and adhere to the highest industry standards.