Covering an outer area of 40 square kilometres and a combined population of 2,700, the historic towns of Presteigne and Norton in Powys, have become the first International Dark Sky Community in the country. 

The project – led by Presteigne & Norton Town Council, Powys County Council and independent lighting consultancy Dark Source – supported the local community initiative to tackle the significant light pollution caused by the blue LEDs introduced to save energy back in 2008. 

This unique collaboration established a much-needed town precedent as the large majority of the Welsh Dark Skies consisted of reserves, parks and sanctuaries until now. 

Comprehensive long-term lighting tests were carried out and community feedback was vigorously sought throughout the project as part of the design development. 

A total of 380 lighting columns were refurbished with 2200K LED luminaires with 96 per cent with full cut-off beam. The CRI was also kept low to minimise impact on biodiversity. 

On Broad Street, heritage-style lanterns are retrofitted with gas mantle LEDs in order to enhance the experience of the historic thoroughfare. 

Some 40 per cent of the lights have been programmed to switch off while the remaining 60 per cent have been pre-set to half their intensity after midnight. In employing such curfew and dimming profiles, light intensity and energy usage were significantly reduced whilst prolonging the longevity of the luminaires. 

The project has reduced annual CO2 emissions by 4.5 tonnes which has been facilitated by the extension of the scheme into a nearby industrial estate under the jurisdiction of the Welsh Government so that the lighting character remained consistent across the town. 

The success of this lighting project has prompted the authorities to consider rolling similar schemes out across the county.

Suppliers: TRT, Pudsey Diamond

Pic: Leigh Harling Bowen