§ Mr. GreenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what his policy is on bringing lighting on commercial premises under local authority planning control. [158700]
§ Ms Beverley HughesWhere proposed lighting installations, or proposals involving lighting, constitute development, they fall within the scope of planning control, and require submission of a planning application to the local planning authority in the usual way. Where they decide to approve an application, local planning authorities can impose planning conditions to limit any adverse impacts of light. However, the installation of some lighting does not constitute development—for example, if it does not materially affect the appearance of the building—and is therefore outside planning control. The courts have ruled that light itself cannot be treated as development. We have no plans to change the position.