CONTROLLING light pollution is to be enshrined in Isle of Wight planning policy to protect dark skies.

It is part of a campaign signed up to by the full Isle of Wight Council which agreed to put together a new lighting code and seek recognition from the International Dark Sky Association (IDASA).

It will also look at the current 'cold' intensity of street-lighting installed by Island Roads which some campaigners want replaced with 'warmer' lighting.

Currently Dark Sky Status has been granted to only 64 areas in the world and only a handful in the UK.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England, Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Vectis Astronomical Society are all behind the campaign to protect the Island's night skies and make them even darker so people and the Island tourist industry can enjoy the benefits of stargazing.

The CPRE has released a map of the UK showing the Island as one of the least affected areas by Night Blight.

After the council overwhelmingly backed a motion from Cllr John Medland, planning and housing cabinet member Cllr Barry Abraham said: “This is all about encouraging the better use of lighting and understanding its impact on the night sky – particularly in our rural areas.

“Studies show this approach can also help wildlife and the environment but it will also help increase visitors to the Island in the winter months when the night sky is at its best for astronomers.”

But Cllr Reg Barry feared rigid rules could curb economy boosting development.

"I would prefer to see jobs in the light rather than unemployment in the dark."

Astro-physicist Cllr Andrew Garratt urged support: "On the Island you can see light that is 2.5million years old from the Andromeda galaxy."

In a joint statement the IW CPRE, AONB and the astronomical society welcomed the decision.

"An essential part of the criteria for Dark Sky Community Status is the approval of a comprehensive lighting code," it said.

AONB steering committee chairman Jonathan Bacon said: "What is required, are clear rules within the council’s planning documentation.

"In due course these could be included in the revised Island Plan."



