1.  Professional astronomy has virtually ceased in the UK due to light pollution and amateur astronomy is severely curtailed. The number of planetariums has increased as astronomy has become part of the National Curriculum but this is surely because it is virtually impossible to show students and teachers the night sky in towns and cities due to the level of light pollution.

  2.  Current planning guidelines are at best adequate but they are only guidelines and not mandatory.

  3.  Planning guidelines are not being enforced. In this area a large distribution centre for ASDA has been built in the last 18 months and although the developers noted the planning guidelines in their planning application they have not complied with them which has increased the local level of light pollution immensely. The planning and environmental office has received numerous complaints from astronomers and local residents but no action or enforcement order has taken place.

  4.  The Institution of Lighting Engineers publishes guidance notes which include measurable limitations for exterior lighting installations which could be used for legally enforceable controls.

  5.  There are many lighting manufacturers who produce environmentally friendly light fittings, however there are some light fittings that are neither environmentally friendly or economic in their use of energy. Large areas of Milton Keynes are lit by "goldfish bowl" lighting fittings which scatter light in all directions which, of course, not only wastes half of the light but also the electrical energy. The light pollution from Milton Keynes is clearly visible from my address that is approximately 15 miles from Milton Keynes. The control of this type of lighting would greatly reduce light pollution.

  One final point, astronomers consider the night sky as an area of outstanding natural beauty but it receives no legal protection.

  I hope that the evidence and examples above are of some value to the Committee and fervently hope that as a result of the enquiry light pollution is seriously reduced in this country.

28 April 2003