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Consultation on ‘Planning for Dark Night Skies'
Published: 14/06/2021
Consultation on ‘Planning for Dark Night Skies: Supplementary Planning Guidance for lighting in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
What are we doing?
Flintshire County Council in partnership with Denbighshire County Council, Wrexham County Borough Council and the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) are seeking views on a draft Supplementary Planning Guidance note (SPG) for lighting in the AONB. This will provide advice and guidance for developers and others on good lighting design in the AONB.
The Chair of the AONB Joint Committee, Denbighsire Councillor Tony Thomas, said:
“The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB is one of Wales’ most cherished landscapes. The area enjoys some of the darkest skies in Wales and provides opportunities to experience the wonders of a dark night sky. The SPG will help to conserve and enhance this special quality by raising awareness of the issue and promoting dark sky friendly lighting design. We want to know what you think, and I would encourage as many people as possible to take part in the consultation process and to have their say on the draft SPG before the deadline on 9 August.”
The document can be viewed on the AONB website.
Why are we doing it?
The AONB is designated as a landscape of national importance and the primary purpose is to conserve and enhance its natural beauty. One of the recognised special qualities of the AONB is its tranquil nature, which includes the opportunity to experience dark night skies. The AONB has some of the darkest skies in Wales and the draft SPG seeks to conserve and enhance this special quality by providing guidance for developers and others on dark sky friendly lighting design. When approved by each of the Local Planning Authorities the SPG will be a material planning consideration in determining planning applications and appeals.
What do we want to know?
The three Local Planning Authorities and the AONB are keen to hear from a wide range of statutory and non-statutory organisations, town and community councils, voluntary groups and the general public as well as local planning consultants and agents. Comments should be sent to Denbighshire County Council who are coordinating the consultation on behalf of the three Local Planning Authorities. Comments can be submitted via the Denbighshire Consultation Portal, by e-mail to: clwydianrangeaonb@denbighshire.gov.uk or in writing to Huw Rees, Countryside and Heritage Services Manager, Planning, Public Protection and Countryside Services, PO BOX 62, Ruthin LL15 9AZ.
The closing date for comments is 9 August 2021.