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<p>The Government has put in place a range of measures to ensure that light pollution
is effectively managed through controls in the planning system, the statutory nuisance
regime, and when improvements are made to street lighting.</p><p> </p><p>The National
Planning Policy Framework sets out how the possible ecological impacts of artificial
light should be considered in the planning system. It makes clear that policies and
decisions should limit the impact of light pollution on local amenity, dark landscapes
and nature conservation, including where there may be impacts on wildlife and ecosystems.
Defra has contributed to associated guidance published by the Ministry of Housing,
Communities and Local Government.</p><p> </p><p>Defra has published or contributed
to a range of assessments of the impact of artificial light on insects and wider biodiversity,
which are published on our science website. Defra also keeps under review relevant,
externally funded studies, for example on potential impacts of artificial light pollution
on insects with our academic partners on the National Pollinator Strategy for England.</p><p>
</p><p>We strongly welcome the designation of the South Downs and Exmoor National
Parks as International Dark Sky Reserves, two of only 16 in the world. As a result
of this designation these National Parks have incorporated local policies to protect
dark skies. We welcome the adoption of these local policies for dark sky protection
and understand their extension to other National Parks is under consideration.</p>
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