New plans have revealed that buildings in the City of London could be required to switch off or dim their lights at night.

It comes as the City of London Corporation shared that the plans were in aid to “cut light pollution and save energy”.

The plans will mean that any new developments must have “curfew times” for when external lighting, apart from safety lights, should be dimmed or turned off.

Whilst existing buildings will not have to, they will be “encouraged” to adopt the policy.

The corporation has said that it was currently consulting for a draft lighting supplementary planning document.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Sharing that it would “lay down requirements for future planning applications in the Square Mile and provide guidance on lighting existing buildings".

The proposals also state that any owners of new developments would need to consider lighting levels if their building is in a sensitive area, including residential or special heritage.

Adding that the “Proposals are aimed at reducing the impact of artificial light on residents and helping the City Corporation reach its target of achieving carbon net zero for the Square Mile as a whole by 2040.”

Whilst the City of London Corporation planning and transportation committee chairman Shravan Joshi said: “The City is a unique place in which 24/7 business districts and busy transport hubs rub up against historic buildings and residential neighbourhoods.

"The strategy laid out in this document is aimed at ensuring an intelligent, sensitive approach to lighting which ensures the City is safe and accessible while protecting its historic character and the amenity of our residents."

Consultation for the proposal is open until February 17 and you can find out more via the website.