Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Place Services.

(a)    That the Street Lighting Policy for new and replacement lighting in Dorset be adopted.

The policy includes the new environmental zoning, recommendations for dimming and the use of lower correlated colour temperature (CCT) LEDs in new streetlights, with the CCT typically not exceeding 2700K. The policy also enables town and parish councils to fund additional costs if there is a local preference for alternative equipment such as brackets, columns and lanterns.

(b)    Cabinet agreed to work with the street lighting service provider, who plans to invest in replacing 18,500 outdated lanterns over the next two or three years at no cost to the council.  In return, the service provider will receive 75% of the energy savings until their contract ends in 2032.

Reason for the decision

Limiting colour temperatures for new and replacement street lighting in Dorset would bring health, ecological and dark sky benefits. The policy took a Dorset specific approach to street lighting that balances modern technological       advancements, health and wellbeing, Dorset’s unique environment, our climate ambitions and recognised best practice.

The Cabinet Member for Place advised Cabinet that Dorset Council was leading the way nationally with the introduction of the street lighting policy.

The recommendations set out in the report would enable the upgrade of thousands of streetlights across the county, placing Dorset at the forefront of sustainable and advanced lighting technology.

Dorset would be the first local authority in the UK to adopt a precautionary approach to potential human health impacts by implementing warmer colour temperature lighting. In addition, the policy promotes cleaner, greener solutions that aligned with Dorset’s climate and ecological ambitions. Adoption of the policy would contribute to long-term improvements in energy efficiency, public wellbeing, and rural character.

It was proposed by Cllr J Andrews and seconded by Cllr N Ireland

Decision

(a)    That the Street Lighting Policy for new and replacement lighting in Dorset be adopted.

The policy includes the new environmental zoning, recommendations for dimming and the use of lower correlated colour temperature (CCT) LEDs in new streetlights, with the CCT typically not exceeding 2700K. The policy also enables town and parish councils to fund additional costs if there is a local preference for alternative equipment such as brackets, columns and lanterns.

(b)    Cabinet agreed to work with the street lighting service provider, who plans to invest in replacing 18,500 outdated lanterns over the next two or three years at no cost to the council.  In return, the service provider will receive 75% of the energy savings until their contract ends in 2032.

Reason for the decision

Limiting colour temperatures for new and replacement street lighting in Dorset would bring health, ecological and dark sky benefits. The policy took a Dorset specific approach to street lighting that balances modern technological       advancements, health and wellbeing, Dorset’s unique environment, our climate ambitions and recognised best practice.