Dark skies over beauty spot to be protected

Night skies over part of the Yorkshire Dales are set to be given extra protection against light pollution, North Yorkshire Council has said.

Stricter rules for planning applications in the Upper Nidderdale area, such as limits on the brightness of bulbs being used outside, are to be introduced.

The measures have been recommended to ensure Upper Nidderdale and moorland near Masham remain home to some of the darkest skies in England.

A report to the council identified that lighting on farms and commercial buildings was "the most obvious source" of light pollution in the darkest areas.

Following a public consultation, councillors are expected to review and approve the planning document which was originally created by the now defunct Harrogate Borough Council.

The document made a number of recommendations, including limiting to 500 lumens the brightness of external lights - lumens being the amount of light emitted from a bulb or other source.

Other recommendations included setting lights to automatically switch off when not needed and positioning lights to shine downwards.

The document also recommended all new external lights should comply with the latest design standards and include a lighting plan prepared by a professional.

A North Yorkshire Council report accompanying the document said: “Protecting dark skies is important as light pollution has potential to disrupt wildlife, adversely affect human health and erode tranquillity.

"Poor lighting choices can also waste energy and contribute to climate change."

Light pollution can affect plants, the sleep patterns of animals, and even the hunting periods of nocturnal species like bats.

The CPRE countryside charity said clear, dark skies also reduced stress and increased a sense of peace.

A report published by astronomers in 2022 found night skies in the north west of the Nidderdale National Landscape - an officially designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - were some of the least affected by light pollution in England.

Final approval on the plan is expected to be given next week.

Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].