Dorset Council has outlined proposals to update its approach to street lighting, aiming to make it more sustainable, cost-effective, and considerate of both local communities and the environment.
The plan includes replacing around 18,500 old streetlights with modern LED units, delivering significant energy savings and improved efficiency without any upfront cost to residents.
If approved by Cabinet on Tuesday 9 September, Dorset would become the first council in the country to introduce official standards for streetlight colour. These standards are designed to improve public health, protect wildlife, and preserve the county’s renowned night skies — setting a benchmark for sustainable lighting in the UK.
The draft policy recommends using warmer light tones to limit light pollution and support wellbeing. Quieter residential and rural areas will see dimmer lighting to safeguard nature, while busier spaces such as town centres will remain brightly lit for safety and accessibility.
Given Dorset’s mix of coastal, rural, and historic locations — with more than half the county falling within Dorset National Landscape (formerly the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) — the new strategy seeks to balance essential infrastructure with care for natural and cultural assets.
Key elements of the plan include:
- Zoning: Lighting adjusted to match local needs.
- Community involvement: Residents having input into decorative lighting in conservation areas.
- Energy-efficient dimming: Lights that already switch off overnight will also dim by 50% from 10pm onwards, reflecting local feedback.
The upgrade programme will be delivered through a £6.5m investment from Dorset Council’s lighting service provider. Under the funding model, the provider will pay for the installation and retain part of the energy savings until 2032. Meanwhile, the council is expected to save around £100,000 each year, allowing the improvements to begin immediately without adding costs for local taxpayers.
Cllr Nick Ireland, Dorset Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate, Performance and Safeguarding, said:
“This is a great example of how climate-friendly technology can also save money. By upgrading our streetlights, we’re cutting carbon, improving the night-time environment, and reducing costs. It’s a win-win that delivers environmental improvements, financial savings, and better public services – all at no extra cost to residents – creating safer, healthier, and more sustainable communities across Dorset.”
Switching from older sodium lights to LEDs will lower energy demand and cut environmental impact. The move towards warmer-toned lighting also helps protect dark skies and reduces disruption to nocturnal wildlife.
The new policy has been shaped by resident feedback from a consultation held in March and April 2025, where people expressed strong support for warmer lighting, raised concerns over wildlife and night-sky quality, and backed further dimming where it can be applied safely.
