The proposed Taunton Padel Centre scheme at Queen’s College, Taunton, developed in partnership with Smash Padel, represented an exciting addition to the local sporting landscape. As padel continues to grow rapidly in the UK, the project aimed to introduce modern, accessible facilities while respecting the sensitive educational and residential context of the site.

However, the introduction of external sports lighting raised several planning challenges. Local planning authorities are rightly cautious about the potential impacts of artificial light at night, particularly in environments close to school buildings, neighbouring residential properties, and established landscape features. Concerns included light spill beyond the site boundary, glare affecting occupants and road users, and sky glow impacting the wider night-time environment.

To progress the scheme, a robust and clearly evidenced lighting impact assessment was required. This needed to demonstrate that the proposed lighting strategy would provide safe and appropriate illumination for padel courts while fully complying with planning policy, environmental guidance, and recognised industry standards. The report also had to be accessible to non-technical stakeholders, including planners and consultees, while retaining the technical depth expected of a formal submission.

DFL was appointed to prepare a detailed lighting impact assessment and accompanying technical report tailored specifically to the Taunton Padel Centre scheme. From the outset, our approach balanced technical rigour with planning clarity, ensuring that every aspect of the lighting design could be confidently assessed and approved. We began by reviewing the site context, surrounding receptors, and relevant planning constraints. This included identifying nearby residential properties, school facilities, access routes, and areas of ecological or visual sensitivity. Using this information, DFL established appropriate lighting limits in line with current guidance, including the ILP (Institute of Lighting Professionals) recommendations for obtrusive light.

Our lighting design focused on precision and control. High-quality LED sports lighting luminaires were selected for their efficiency, optical performance, and ability to tightly manage light distribution. Detailed lighting calculations and modelling were undertaken to predict horizontal and vertical illuminance levels across the courts and at key boundary locations. Special attention was paid to potential glare and light spill, with careful aiming angles, mounting heights, and shielding strategies incorporated into the design.

The technical report clearly documented the methodology, assumptions, and results of the assessment. We provided annotated drawings, lux contour plots, and written analysis to demonstrate compliance with agreed thresholds. Importantly, the report explained the findings in a structured, planner-friendly format, directly addressing likely planning concerns and consultation questions.

Throughout the process, DFL worked collaboratively with the wider project team to ensure that the lighting proposals aligned with the operational needs of Smash Padel while remaining sensitive to Queen’s College’s setting. The result was a lighting impact assessment that was both technically robust and strategically aligned with the planning process.

DFL’s lighting impact assessment and technical report played a key role in supporting the planning application for the Taunton Padel Centre scheme. By clearly demonstrating that the proposed sports lighting would deliver safe, high-quality illumination without causing unacceptable environmental impacts, the submission gave planners confidence in the scheme.

The assessment showed that light spill beyond the site boundary was well controlled, glare was minimised, and sky glow impacts were kept within acceptable limits. At the same time, the design ensured that the padel courts would be lit to an appropriate standard for evening use, supporting the commercial and community objectives of the Smash Padel partnership.

From a broader perspective, the project highlights DFL’s ability to translate complex lighting considerations into clear, planning-focused documentation. Our work helped de-risk the planning process, reduced the likelihood of objections or delays, and supported the delivery of a modern sports facility that enhances local provision while respecting its surroundings.