§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps are being taken to deal with light pollution, with particular reference to domestic security equipment not requiring planning permission. [128413]
§ Mr. BradshawDefra considered the control of nuisance caused by security lighting in its recent consultation "Living Places—Powers, Rights, Responsibilities".
The paper sought opinions as to whether the Government should introduce new regulations for the positioning of external lighting (including domestic or security lighting, but excluding street lights); and whether the remit of the statutory nuisance regime should be extended to include such lighting. The consultation period closed on 14 February. A summary of the comments received to this consultation exercise has now been published. Most respondents felt that the statutory nuisance regime would be the most effective option, but issues were highlighted regarding the need to identify a feasible means of assessing external light for enforcement purpose. Copies of the summary report 542W have been placed in both houses, and it is also available at: www.defra.gov.ukenvironment/consult/pubspace/index.htm.
The House of Commons Select Committee on Science and Technology recently held an inquiry into light pollution and astronomy. This focused on the effectiveness of measures taken to reduce the impact of light pollution on astronomy and considered what further steps, if any, are required. The outcome of the inquiry will be published in due course and will be made available on the House of Commons' website.
The Government will consider its future course of action taking into consideration any recommendations and conclusions emerging from the Select Committee's inquiry and from Defra's recent consultation exercise.