Dark sky park lighting

15 March 2024

What happens next

Now that the consultation period has ended, we will consider all the representations that are received and decide if it wishes to amend the Plan as a consequence. If no significant changes are proposed, a summary of all unresolved representations will be prepared and submitted to the Scottish Ministers.

Please note that we do not respond to representations individually, but set out our response through the Examination process as required under the legislation.

The Scottish Ministers will then appoint a Reporter to hold an Examination to consider these representations and the Reporter will provide recommendations to the Council on changes that should be made to the Plan. We are largely bound to take on board these recommendations before proceeding to adopt the Plan.

Once adopted, the East Ayrshire Local Development Plan 2 will supersede the East Ayrshire Local Development Plan (2017) and the East Ayrshire Minerals Local Development Plan (2020) to form the Development Plan for East Ayrshire.

It is anticipated that the examination will commence in late 2022 and last around nine months.

The Local Development Plan 2 (LDP2) has now been published for consultation which is open from Monday 23 May 2022 until 4pm on Friday 22 July 2022.

It gives every resident, business and organisation the opportunity to have an input into the future of development and planning decisions in East Ayrshire. This consultation includes the Stewarton Development Framework which forms part of LDP2.

This is a plan which looks at the whole area and outlines whether or not specific areas are suitable for future development, what types of development they are suitable for, and how this will affect the future environment, infrastructure and economic wellbeing of these areas.

Dark sky park guidance

The purpose of the supplementary guidance is to provide further detailed information in respect of the Dark Sky Park policy in LDP2.

The guidance was prepared in partnership with South Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway councils, originally for the 2017 Local Development Plan and has been amended slightly in light of the proposed LDP2.

Policy TOUR 4: The Dark Sky Park presumes against development that may undermine the integrity of the Dark Sky status of the area. The guidance sets out the type and level of information that should be submitted to enable a proper assessment of the potential impacts of proposals on the Park. It provides guidance on 'good lighting practice' and a checklist for external lighting which will be strongly encouraged for all future development proposals and existing fixtures.

Example conditions and advisory notes for development within the Dark Sky Park are included in the supplementary guidance which may be attached to planning permission, where appropriate.

Dark Sky Park Lighting Supplementary Guidance (PDF 8.18Mb)