What action has the Welsh Government taken to address light pollution and will the Minister confirm if she intends to introduce statutory controls on lighting for environmental reasons?
I can confirm there are a number of existing mechanisms that can be used to manage the impacts from artificial light. Statutory provision under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 allows Environmental Health teams in Local Authorities to investigate incidents where artificial light may be causing a statutory nuisance, and take enforcement measures to mitigate the issue if required.
Additionally, Planning Policy Wales outlines guidance to planning authorities when considering new developments. It highlights a requirement to balance the provision of lighting to enhance safety and security and other activities, while protecting wildlife and the amenity of neighbouring land uses. For example, planning authorities can attach conditions to planning permissions for new developments that include the design and operation of lighting systems, requiring energy-efficient design and light pollution prevention. Planning Policy Wales also encourages specific consideration of light pollution within Dark Sky Reserves and encourages local development plans to consider light pollution in these areas which provide economic and environmental benefits.
In relation to the impact of light pollution on the natural environment, our Nature Recovery Action Plan (NRAP) sets out the objectives and priorities for biodiversity in Wales. NRAP is a live document kept under review with our partners and stakeholders. Light pollution is recognised as a potential pressure on biodiversity. However, it has not been identified as a current priority for the action plan.