Bodmin Moor International Dark Sky Landscape:
Frequently Asked Questions June 2017
1.
What is an International Dark Sky Landscape?
2.
Why Bodmin Moor?
3.
What are the benefits of an International Dark Sky Landscape?
4.
What public consultation has taken place and what was the result?
5.
What is the status of the designation?
6.
Where else has an international dark sky designation?
7.
Where are the boundaries?
8.
Could the boundaries be expanded?
9.
Will I have to change my lights if the designation is achieved?
10.
Will there be strict new rules on new lights?
11.
Would a designation affect me getting planning permission?
12.
What about street lights?
13.
What about the A30 dualling works at Temple?
14.
Will there be signs put up on the moor?
15.
When and where will the visitors and tourists go?
16.
What opportunities are there for local businesses?
17.
How was the designation application prepared?
Cornwall Council and Caradon Observatory prepared the application in
partnership. Cornwall Council was the qualifying organisation to make the
formal submission to the awarding body the International Dark-Sky
Association (http://darksky.org/). A public consultation and liaison with
stakeholders took place in advance of the submission.
1.
18.
How will the designation be managed?
19.
How will the designation be managed?
20.
How can I get more information?
2.
What is an International Dark Sky Landscape?
Known locally as an “International Dark Sky Landscape”, the title is usually
“International Dark Sky Park” as it is typically awarded to national parks.
The definition of an International Dark Sky Park provided by the
International Dark-Sky Association is:
“Land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights
and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific,
natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment. The land
may be publicly owned, or privately owned provided that the landowner(s)
consent to the right of permanent, ongoing public access to specific areas
included in the IDA designation.”
Given that enjoyment of the night sky must take place in the dark it is
intended that on Bodmin Moor, visitors would be directed to recommended
viewing location(s) with appropriate infrastructure. Siblyback Lake, which
is managed by South West Lakes Trust, is considered a good option for a
recommended viewing location as it benefits from accessible visitor
facilities.
3.
Why Bodmin Moor?
Readings and images taken by Caradon Observatory show that Bodmin Moor
has an exceptionally dark night sky, providing very good views of the stars
over a wide area. It is understood that other parts of Cornwall could also
qualify for a designation and that efforts are underway by local councils in
the west of Cornwall to achieve this.
4.
What are the benefits of an International Dark Sky Landscape?
The purpose of achieving a designation is to capture the wide-ranging
benefits of conserving the quality of the dark night sky including:
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Scientific advantages – enabling enhanced conditions for astronomy;
Educational outreach – facilitating both formal education (at all levels)
and more informal activities;
Enjoyment and appreciation – improving quality of life and provide
creative inspiration;
Health – promoting improved sleep patterns and reducing stress;
Wildlife – providing a more natural environment for both nocturnal and
diurnal animals; and
Energy efficiency – reducing wastage from unnecessary or excessive
lighting.
These benefits can be harnessed without impacting on lighting needed by
residents and businesses, including agricultural operations (see FAQs 10, 11
and 12).
5.
What public consultation has taken place and what was the result?
A public consultation was held in April-May 2016 including a public event on
15 April 2016. 208 written responses were received. Of these, 206 were in
support with one “no comment” and one objection. Reasons for supporting
the proposal included:
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Astronomy and scientific research;
Value to education;
Health benefits;
Beauty;
Unique and magical location;
Benefits wildlife;
Shows concern for the quality of the environment;
Energy-saving;
Second home owners using “massive security lights”;
Good for tourism, including the winter months;
Supports businesses and employment;
Boost the role of Caradon Observatory; and
Good example to set.
Reasons for concerns included:
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Risk of benefits being localised and not inclusive;
It is a waste when existing council street lighting is considered
excessive; and
Insufficient publicity for the proposal.
In response to the concern about the benefits being localised, efforts are
being made to bolster existing educational outreach both in terms of
encouraging a greater variety of people and extending the catchment area.
On the second point, Cornwall Council is actively improving the efficiency of
street lighting across the county (see FAQ 13). In terms of the publicity for
the consultation, there was an electronic newsletter, webpage, leaflets and
posters as well as press releases which were used for news items by BBC
Radio Cornwall, BBC news website, Pirate FM (radio and website) and local
newspapers (Bude and Stratton Post, Cornish Guardian and Western Morning
News). Over 100 people attended the consultation event and the level of
feedback is considered to be informative. Cornwall Council is continuing to
engage with stakeholders and take on their feedback beyond the consultation
period.
6.
What is the status of the designation?
International Dark Sky Landscape status has been awarded by the NorthAmerican based International Dark-Sky Association. It is not a statutory
planning designation but would provide recognition and impetus for
bolstering the benefits of Bodmin Moor’s exceptionally dark night sky.
7.
Where else has an international dark sky designation?
There are over 40 International Dark Sky Parks around the world including
the Northumberland National Park and Kielder Water and Forest Park and the
Galloway Forest Park in the UK. Other international dark sky designations
include 14 International Dark Sky Communities, 11 International Dark Sky
Reserves and two International Dark Sky Sanctuaries. Further information on
these sites is available at http://darksky.org/idsp/finder/.
8.
Where are the boundaries?
In keeping with the requirements of the International Dark-Sky Association,
the boundary follows the extent of Bodmin Moor which forms part of the
Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Since light is not constrained
by such boundaries, a 2 mile Buffer Zone around this has been established
where good lighting practice is also encouraged. Both the Core Area and the
2 mile Buffer Zone are shown on a map at www.cornwall.gov.uk/darksky.
9.
Could the boundaries be expanded?
If there is stakeholder and International Dark-Sky Association support the
boundaries could be expanded. Cornwall Council is in general support of
designations coming forward elsewhere in the county including a separate
local council-led proposal in west Cornwall.
10.
Will I have to change my lights if the designation is achieved?
No. Good lighting practice is encouraged and guidance will be made
available. You may be able to help reduce light pollution by turning lights off
when they aren’t needed, using sensor options, pointing lights downwards
and selecting less bright, warmer coloured bulbs for example. The optional
guidance will also advocate low-impact lighting for when existing lights need
to be replaced. Following the guidance may save you money.
11.
Will there be strict new rules on new lights?
Light itself and minor domestic light fittings are not subject to planning
controls. Good lighting practice will simply be encouraged with guidance
available. For where new lighting would be part of a planning application see
FAQ 12.
12.
Would a designation affect me getting planning permission?
Light itself and minor domestic light fittings are not subject to planning
controls.
The principle of future development (new structures and changes of use)
would not be affected by the designation (unless the proposal is specifically
just to provide illumination, although this would be unlikely to require
planning permission). We would encourage all new development to consider
its impact on the dark night sky and in certain cases the details of the
lighting may be conditioned as part of a planning permission. Any conditions
on lighting as part of planning permissions for buildings would be made on a
case by case basis and not designed to affect the operations / use of the
development but to seek that the lighting is not excessive e.g. needlessly
fixed upwards into the sky. We understand that lighting is part of modern life
and can be necessary for safety, security and farming operations for
example. For conservatories, we would encourage mitigation measures
against light spillage.
Aside from the International Dark Sky Landscape designation, there are
other lighting considerations / controls already in place. For example, the
National Planning Policy Framework and policy 23 of the Cornwall-wide Local
Plan seek to protect dark landscapes / areas of dark sky. Also the Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan, which is a material
consideration in the determination of planning applications, recognises the
importance of the dark sky. In addition to the planning system, light pollution
is also a potential statutory nuisance (in extreme cases).
13.
What about street lights?
Both Cornwall Council street lighting and Highways England trunk road
lighting has been assessed as part of this project. Cornwall Council lighting
has been upgraded across the county as part of the Invest to Save scheme
which has improved efficiency and reduced light pollution. We are also
looking at where additional adjustments to street lighting would be
appropriate on Bodmin Moor.
14.
What about the A30 dualling works at Temple?
Highways England has confirmed that no highway lighting is being introduced
at Temple.
15.
Will there be signs put up on the moor?
Whilst signage to announce the location as an International Dark Sky
Landscape is a requirement by the International Dark-Sky Association, one
sign would suffice and the type of sign is not stipulated. Cornwall Council
supports efforts to retain an uncluttered landscape on Bodmin Moor and
expects that the future management group would decide what / where is
most appropriate. An add-on to an existing sign may be an option. It may be
possible to place a sign at Siblyback Lake by the visitor facilities where there
is an existing information board.
16.
When and where will the visitors and tourists go?
Due to the nature of the proposal, associated visitor activity is anticipated to
mostly take place during autumn and winter evenings and in locations which
are readily accessible with immediate highways access. Since the darkest
clear nights are the best for viewing the stars it is not expected (or
encouraged) that dark sky visitors would be looking to cross off-road open
moor land.
Cornwall Council has been in discussions with South West Lakes Trust in
relation to Siblyback Lake becoming a recommended viewing location. The
benefits of Siblyback include camping, toilets, a café, picnic area, cycle path
and footpaths (including a wheelchair accessible route around the lake). The
future management group (see FAQ 18) could seek to influence issues
around tourism / visitors (e.g. through other suggested viewing locations,
guided viewing or information).
17.
What opportunities are there for local businesses?
Local businesses may wish to consider how they can maximise potential
custom from astro-tourism which is expected to mostly take place outside of
the main tourist season. Those visiting Bodmin Moor to enjoy the dark night
sky may also use local cafés, pubs, accommodation and other visitor
facilities. There are some established examples of dark sky trade in
Northumberland, including an accreditation scheme, which may provide
inspiration for local businesses and business representatives:
http://www.northumberlandtourism.org.uk/resources/toolkits/are-you-darksky-friendly
http://www.visitnorthumberland.com/darkskies/experiences
18.
How was the designation application prepared?
Cornwall Council and Caradon Observatory prepared the application in
partnership. Cornwall Council was the qualifying organisation to make the
formal submission to the awarding body the International Dark-Sky
Association (http://darksky.org/). A public consultation and liaison with
stakeholders took place in advance of the submission.
19.
How will the designation be managed?
A self-funded management group will need to be established to steer the
direction of the International Dark Sky Landscape. Cornwall Council is not
looking to take a leading role or set the parameters / protocols / manifesto
for this organisation although we would envisage membership to include local
stakeholders and a representative of Cornwall Council. Simple annual reports
will be required.
20.
How can I get more information?
For more information see www.cornwall.gov.uk/darksky. Please contact us at
[email protected] or 01872 224283 with any queries or to let us
know you would like to receive our electronic newsletters.