Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Dark Skies

14 December 2020 · 2 other contributors

Opened by Andrew Griffith Con Arundel and South Downs

Environment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Andrew Griffith raised concerns about dark skies in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The hon. Member for Arundel and South Downs highlighted the importance of preserving dark skies in his constituency, an international dark sky reserve since 2016.
  • The MP emphasized the impact of light pollution on astronomy, health, nature, the environment, and the economy, and called for a designated Minister to oversee dark skies policies.
  • The Minister acknowledged the importance of preserving dark skies and noted ongoing work to address light pollution through planning reforms and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Andrew Griffith Con Arundel and South Downs

The hon. Member for Arundel and South Downs highlighted the importance of preserving dark skies in his constituency, which includes the South Downs national park, an international dark sky reserve since 2016. He emphasised the impact of light pollution on astronomy, health, nature, the environment, and the economy, advocating for a designated Minister to oversee policies related to dark skies, expanded language in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) regarding avoiding light pollution, conducting dark sky impact assessments, and developing standards through a statutory commission. The MP also discussed over-development in rural areas as an exacerbating factor and called for local authorities to have more effective methods of addressing light nuisance.

Other contributors (2)
  • James Sunderland Con Bracknell

    The hon. Member highlighted the economic benefits of dark skies tourism, noting that protecting natural landscapes can contribute significantly to local economies.

  • Tim Farron Lib Dem Westmorland and Lonsdale

    The hon. Gentleman emphasised the need for a brownfield-first policy in addressing housing needs and advocated against over-development in rural areas, suggesting that building environmentally friendly tall buildings in urban centres would be more sustainable.

Government Response

Christopher Pincher

The Minister acknowledged the importance of preserving dark skies and congratulated Andrew Griffith on his efforts. He noted the Government's recognition of light pollution issues and their impact on wildlife, health, and energy wastage. The Minister highlighted ongoing work to address these concerns through planning reforms and the national planning policy framework (NPPF), which includes measures to limit the effect of light pollution on local amenity, dark landscapes, and nature conservation. He also mentioned initiatives by Highways England to replace old lighting with LED units, and stressed the need for careful consideration when balancing road safety and avoiding light pollution. The Minister assured that the Government will continue working with stakeholders to protect natural environments.

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