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Hopes Nidderdale could become a haven for stargazers

Tuesday, 7 May 2024 12:45

By Thomas Barrett, Local Democracy Reporter

Northumberland National Park.

Councillors said they hope tougher rules on light pollution will lead to Nidderdale becoming a haven for astronomers and stargazers.

North Yorkshire Council’s Conservative-led executive met this morning in Northallerton to approve a document that will tighten up rules around light pollution for any planning application submitted in the Nidderdale National Landscape area.

Executive member for business Cllr Derek Bastiman said Nidderdale has some of the “finest dark skies in the country” and protecting them is important for wildlife and tourism in the area.

The Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, which covers Northumberland National Park and most of Kielder Water and Forest Park, is enjoyed by thousands of visitors a year and it’s claimed brings in £25m annually into the local economy.

To celebrate its 10th anniversary last year, national park chief executive Tony Gates called it a “game-changer” for tourism in the area.

Cllr Bastiman referred to the park in Northumberland and said he hopes North Yorkshire could eventually have a similar dark skies centre in Nidderdale.

The planning document divides Nidderdale into different zones and offers guidance on what levels and types of lighting is appropriate.

For example, the document recommends that external lights in the darkest zone, which includes Upper Nidderdale, should only be 500 lumens, which is a measurement of visible light to the human eye.

Cllr David Chance called the measures “eminently sensible” and Cllr Simon Myers said it “would be nice to have it across North Yorkshire.”

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