MP urges ministers to strengthen laws to protect Lake District from light pollution

On the floor of the House of Commons this week, local MP Tim Farron challenged government ministers to toughen laws to prevent developers blighting the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales with light pollution.

Speaking during a debate in Parliament on Dark Skies, Tim said: "Part of the attraction of places like the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales is not just the landscape itself, but the landscape that is silhouetted by the canopy of stars above.

"The Government must toughen up planning powers, in national parks and in other planning authorities as well, to prevent developers encroaching on our areas and adding to light pollution, which removes the appeal and the beauty that we have in our beautiful part of the world."