From: pcl@oxford.ac.uk (Paul Leyland)
Newsgroups: sci.astro
Subject: Help reduce UK light pollution - write your MP now.
Date: 10 Sep 92 15:33:48 GMT
Organization: Oxford University Computing Service, 13 Banbury Rd, Oxford, OX2
	6NN


The UK government is reviewing Planning Regulations; some sections of
which deal with external lighting.  There is an opportunity here for
UK astronomers and conservationists to reduce, or at least, stem the
increase in light pollution in the UK.  As anyone who has seen
satellite pictures knows, England and central Scotland are the most
light polluted regions in Europe (though the Ruhr comes pretty close).

Included below are the relevant sections of the consultation document,
and a request from the Department of Environment for comments.  These
were scanned in and lightly editted.  Any errors not flagged with
[sic] are probably my fault.

If you have a sensible contribution, please write a courteous letter
to the DoE and send a copy to your MP.  NOTE: The closing date is 3rd
October, so please be prompt.

One sensible suggestion is that sections 24 a), b) and c) be amended
to include the words 'provided that such light is confined to the
boundaries of the properties involved'.  Another is that if a
discontinuance order is issued, compensation should not be an issue.

If anyone can phrase a feasible way of expressing a requirement that
the amount of light emitted upwards be kept to a minimum, please do
so.  By feasible, I mean one which can be implemented in enforceable
legislation.

Paul

8<---------------Request for comments----------------------->8

					Department of the Environment
					Room C13/11
					2 Marsham Street London SW1P 3EB
					3 August 1992

Dear Sir/Madam,


TEMPORARY USES OF LAND, EXTERNAL LIGHTING AND MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS
TO THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING GENERAL DEVELOPMENT ORDER 1988

1.  This consultation paper invites views on whether any further
planning controls should be introduced over the temporary use of land;
for external lighting; and other minor miscellaneous amendments to the
Town and Country Planning General Development Order (the GDO).  It also
invites comments on a proposed new structure for the GDO.

2.  Responses to the consultation paper are invited by 3 October 1992
and should be sent to Mr P Goodwin, Room C13/11, Department of the
Environment, 2 Marsham Street, London SWlP 3EB.  Additional copies of
this paper may be obtained by sending a self addressed label to Mr
Goodwin at this address.

3.  The Department may wish to make responses to this letter available
to Parliament and open to public inspection in the Department's
library.  Please indicate whether or not your response is confidential
by clearly marking the top of your first page.  If your response is not
marked we shall assume that you have no objection to its being treated
in this way and would be grateful if your could supply an extra copy
for this purpose.  Confidential responses-- will nevertheless be counted
in any numerical survey of responses.

R.  JONES
Development Control Policy Division

8<------------------------------------------------------------------->8

Extracts from Consultation document Sections 20-25 relating to
external lighting.

External Lighting

20.  During the passage through Parliament of the Environmental
Protection Act 1990, the Government undertook to consult on the
adequacy of existing planning controls over external lighting.

21.  The definition of development in Section 55 of the 1990 Act
excludes interior alterations to a building, and those not materially
affecting its external appearance.  Clearly visible external lighting
installations normally require planning permission.

22.  Examples where planning permission is required are:

	a) illumination of attractive buildings eg cathedrals;
	b) illumination of offices, hotels and similar outlets to
	   attract custom and/or security;
	c) lighting of outdoor sports venues;
	d) outdoor advertisements.

23.  Planning controls already exist to limit the effects of external
lighting.  Planning permission may be granted subject to conditions
limiting, for example, the number of hours that lights may be used.
If conditions are breached, or lighting which constitutes development
has been installed witthout [sic] planning permission, local planning
authorities have enforcement powers available under Section 172 of the
1990 Act.  Where circumstances change, making a development
undesirable, a local authority may issue a discontinuance order under
Section 102 of the 1990 Act.  But by doing so, it renders itself liable
to a compensation payment.  Individuals who are affected by light may
have recourse through private nuisance actions, which are primarily a
matter for civil law.

24.  The foliowing types of lighting are generally "permitted
development", not requiring specific planning permission:

	a) domestic lighting including the lighting of gardens,
	porches or pathways attached to a dwellinghouse;
	b) security lighting for industrial, commercial or residential
	premises which illuminate an area only when activated by a
	device to detect or deter intruders;
	c) external lighting at industrial, commercial or business
	premises installed in connection with the operational use of
	these premises.  An example would be the external lighting
	provided at a transport depot.

25.  Views are invited on what, if any, problems exist with external
lighting that cannot be adequately controlled under existing
legislation.  Although the Government has no wish to introduce measures
that would reduce safety and security, it is open to suggestions on
circumstances in which the intensity or focus of light could be
constained [sic] to reduce nuisance.  This might, for instance, be
achieved through the addition of general conditions attached to
permitted development rights.

8<------------------------------------------------------------------->8
--
Paul Leyland <pcl@oxford.ac.uk>          | Hanging on in quiet desperation is
Oxford University Computing Service      |     the English way.
13 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 6NN, UK     | The time is come, the song is over.
Tel: +44-865-273200  Fax: +44-865-273275 | Thought I'd something more to say.
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