The South Downs National Park is one of only a handful of International Dark Sky Reserves worldwide. Protecting its pristine night skies is a cornerstone of local planning policy, which places strict restrictions on artificial lighting.

When plans emerged for a new EV recharge centre at Buriton, directly off the A3, concerns quickly arose. The site was described by planners as an “island piece of land left over after the introduction of the trunk road” - separated from the wider landscape, yet still subject to National Park policies.

The proposal was ambitious: • 60 climate-neutral eco-lodges. • An earth-sheltered building housing a farm shop, café, and visitor centre. • An off-grid biogas energy system, powered by local agricultural waste, to run the entire facility sustainably. • 127 EV Chargers

While the sustainability credentials were strong, the local planning authority objected on grounds of potential harm to the National Park’s dark skies. With the case escalating to a tribunal, the project risked rejection without clear evidence that lighting impacts would be controlled.

DFL was commissioned to deliver a lighting assessment and strategy that addressed both environmental sensitivities and the operational needs of the recharge centre. Our solution included:

• Precision lighting design: Using low colour temperature luminaires, careful shielding, and directional fittings to eliminate upward light and light spill. • Dark sky compliance: Demonstrating full alignment with South Downs dark sky policies and best practice guidance. • Expert witness testimony: At the tribunal, DFL presented clear, data-backed evidence that reassured inspectors the scheme would preserve the night environment.

We positioned the project as an exemplar of how sustainable infrastructure and dark sky protection can coexist.

The tribunal outcome was a resounding success. The Planning Inspector concluded that the innovative and sustainable nature of the project – which served a critical need for EV infrastructure - outweighed initial concerns.

Key findings included: • The facility’s design conserved and enhanced the National Park’s special qualities. • The lighting strategy ensured protection of dark skies while delivering safe and functional illumination. • The off-grid biogas power system was recognised as a climate-positive feature that set the development apart.

The South Downs Recharge Centre is now set to become a landmark project, combining EV infrastructure, eco-lodges, and visitor facilities in a way that champions sustainability.

But what role do lighting consultants play in planning tribunals? Well, lighting consultants like DFL provide expert evidence to demonstrate compliance with strict planning conditions. By translating technical data into clear, persuasive testimony, they can directly influence planning inspectors’ decisions.

For DFL, it stands as a clear example of how our expertise, advocacy, and partnership approach can help clients navigate even the most complex planning challenges.