Norwich: Complaints about Gridserve NDR hub light pollution

Anna Loake, 50, who lives in Broads authority land on the edge of Postwick, raised a complaint against the brightness of the lights on the forecourt of Gridserve at Broadland Gate Business Park, close to the A47 and NDR, which opened in April 2022.

The Gridserve electric charging forecourt in Norwich (Image: Denise Bradley)

Ms Loake, a helicopter pilot who moved to her home last summer, had no problem with the function of the building but was worried about the light pollution in the surrounding countryside and raised her concerns at a Postwick with Witton Parish Council meeting.

Her rural home is downhill from Gridserve and between one and two miles away from it, as the crow flies.

She said: "This is the first winter I've lived here and Gridserve is quite high up in a prominent position. We have a clear line of sight up to Gridserve.

"The lights look like they belong in Las Vegas rather than the edge of the Broads.

The bright lights of Las Vegas (Image: PA)

"The only lights we can see are from houses on the other side of the River Yare but if you look towards Norwich, it is opposite. It is so bright.

"In this day and age, we are so much more conscious of dark skies. Gridserve must be one of the brightest features of the Norwich skyline."

The bright lights from Gridserve electric forecourt in Norwich (Image: Anna Loake)

She added light pollution - in an area where hundreds of homes are due to be built - is something that should be minimised and the outside lights did not need to be turned off but turned down.

Eleanor Laming, a Green councillor who represents Postwick on Broadland District Council, said: "The lighting is very bright.

"I can see the lights for miles."

Eleanor Laming, who represents the Green Party and Postwick for Broadland District Council (Image: George Thompson)

A Gridserve spokeswoman said: “The external lighting was fully assessed by Broadland District Council as part of the planning application.

"The lighting has been implemented as was approved and its impact on neighbours should be limited.

"The lighting also serves as a safety measure for those charging at night so that charging is always accessible.

"We are in discussions with our lighting provider to consider any necessary adjustments and would welcome dialogue with the neighbour directly who has raised this query to ensure that the query is fully resolved.”