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Written question asked by Lord Patten (Conservative) on Tuesday, 8 November 2016, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 22 November 2016. It was answered by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth (Conservative) on Thursday, 17 November 2016 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.


Housing: Construction

Question

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth on 1 November (HL2418), what is their assessment of the role of lighting levels and the preservation of the night sky in new housing developments.

Answer

Artificial light provides valuable benefits to society, including through extending opportunities for sport and recreation, and can be essential to a new development. Equally, artificial light is not always necessary, has the potential to become what is termed ‘light pollution’ or ‘obtrusive light’ and not all modern lighting is suitable in all locations.

The National Planning Policy Framework expects the planning system to contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment. The Government is clear that planning decisions should limit the impact of light pollution from artificial light on local amenity, intrinsically dark landscapes and nature conservation. The Framework must be taken into account when preparing a Local Plan and is a material consideration in planning decisions.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL3100
Session
2016-17
Related items
Housing: Construction
Tuesday, 1 November 2016
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects
Construction Housing Pollution Lighting
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk