Test Valley Council improving lighting knowledge with Designs for Lighting CPD

Alistair Scott and Ryan Carroll of DfL presented a CPD last week to a multi-disciplinary team from Test Valley Borough Council. The CPD was called ‘Lighting to protect the environment’.

The council were keen to broaden their knowledge on light and obtrusive light to better serve residents and the environment. This includes the consideration of lighting impacts at the planning stage and gaining a thorough understanding of all forms of obtrusive light. The presentation included an overview of the obtrusive lighting guidance from the Institution of Lighting Professionals, ILP GN01 2011 ‘Guidance for the Reduction of Obtrusive Light’. https://www.theilp.org.uk/documents/obtrusive-light/

The turnout was impressive, with 27 attendees from different areas of the Council. These included officers from Environmental Health, Planning, Trees, Architects and Landscape Architects.

In addition to obtrusive light, Alistair introduced the team to some lighting principles, with the help of a practical demo using a light meter.

The talk covered lighting standards and the design parameters a lighting designer works to.

Ryan commented;

‘The training was well-received and it is a great example of a forward thinking council carrying out cross-departmental training. This approach will help officers understand the needs of other departments and work together to provide a better outcome.’