The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Dark Skies launched their policy plan document on 9th December 2020. The document ‘Ten Dark Sky policies for the government’ proposes a new policy and legislative based approach to tackling light pollution (Obtrusive Light) and the impact this has on Dark Skies in the UK.
DFL are proud to have been involved in this process and have provided a consultation response to the APPG which has been used to formulate the ten policies outlined within the document. As advocators of the right light in the right place at the right time, controlled by the most appropriate system, we already work to the principles proposed. We look ahead with hope that the policies are well received by Central Government, so that the poorest examples of lighting in the UK can no longer remain unchallenged, and a new approach to lighting in the UK is formed at the heart of the planning system, within the National Planning Policy Framework.
The policy document is available for review here: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e567fb65a380a76eb3c8133/t/5fd1ef5f5e090321cab6ba50/1607593828442/Ten+Dark+Sky+policies+for+the+government+-+APPG+for+Dark+Skies.pdf
Importantly, many of the principles of the document can be implemented from today! You can play your part in reducing light pollution (obtrusive light) in the UK by ensuring that lighting designs, strategies and light impact assessments are only undertaken by competent lighting professional’s.