Introduction:
Mid Suffolk recognises that street-lighting is a significant aspect of our climate change and biodiversity action plans, and that lighting can be adapted and controlled to reduce energy use and impacts on human health and wildlife – particularly bats and nocturnal insect populations which are declining[1], [2]. Council also notes that many communities and campaign groups are calling on local councils to protect dark skies.
Motion:
The Council recognises that light pollution is increasing and that it causes harm to wildlife and insects and can increase health risks in people. The Council therefore will seek to reduce the intensity and extent of outdoor lighting within its own public realm and housing assets and other lighting schemes where it has influence, to the extent practical. The Council will also include guidance in its Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Document to protect and enhance dark skies for the benefit of wildlife and human health and wellbeing.
Proposer: Cllr Pratt
Seconder: Cllr Fleming
Objectives:
To achieve these objectives the Council will include lighting control within the Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) which it has committed to preparing, and work with the planning team and partner organisations such as Suffolk County Council and its suppliers to reduce light pollution to the extent practical. The Council recognises the sometimes conflicting roles that artificial lighting plays both positively in making people feel safer and signage, but also negatively in terms of harm to biodiversity, health and wellbeing, and visual resources. In line with current standards and evidence the Council will ensure that new or replacement artificial lighting whether in the form of street lighting, commercial and residential lighting or advertising signage is installed to meet the lowest possible level of intensity and visual intrusion.
Notes:
[1] BBC News: Light pollution from streetlamps linked to insect loss https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-58333233?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA
[1] CPRE Dark Skies: https://www.cpre.org.uk/what-we-care-about/nature-and-landscapes/dark-skies/
[1] BBC News: Light pollution from streetlamps linked to insect loss https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-58333233?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA
Minutes:
The Motion on Notice was deferred to the next Council meeting as the meeting was adjourned at 9:54 pm.