Issue - meetings

To approve Option 1 in principle, and the council supports an IDA-accredited Dark Skies Park status application as outlined in this report with the following commitments:

a)    Financial support from the council of £49,453 to replace existing street lights where necessary within a defined programme, subject to the approval of the capital programme by full council

b)    The preparation of a comprehensive lighting code to be applied within the Dark Skies Park, which would take the form of a Supplementary Planning Document.

c)     Ensure annual monitoring and reporting on the success in light pollution control as well as the maintenance of a sky brightness measurement program is carried out.

Cllr Bacon had been involved with the project since 2017 when he was the Chairman of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The intention was to seek formal accreditation for part of the island to be a Dark Skies park, which would be internationally recognised. The AONB and Vectis Astronomical Society had been very helpful in compiling the report. Some comments had been received regarding extending the area to which the status would apply. An explanation had been given to the Corporate Scrutiny Committee that the area was considered viable within the boundaries of the AONB, although it may be possible to expand the area in the future. The policies would apply across the whole of the Island and benefits of Dark Skies park status would include attracting more visitors to the Island and supporting biodiversity and wildlife. Similar applications had been successful in Galloway and in Northumberland.

Consideration was given to the report which sought the Cabinet’s approval to support a Dark Skies Park status application. Questions were raised in relation to the scope of the localities covered by the application.

RESOLVED:

THAT the report and proposed recommendations be noted.