Do I need planning permission to put up lights?

Light itself, and minor light fittings, are not subject to planning control. Nevertheless, if you are planning to install external lighting for security or other purposes, you should ensure that the intensity and direction of light does not disturb others and does not cause glare to drivers. Many people suffer disturbance due to excessive and poorly-designed lighting. You should ensure that lighting is not pointed directly at windows of other houses. Security lights fitted with passive infra-red detectors and/or timing devices should be adjusted so that they minimise nuisance to neighbours and are set so that they are not triggered by traffic or pedestrians passing outside your property.

A planning application is normally required for lights mounted on poles or other such structures.

Useful forms and links can be found on the right hand side of this page.