Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Calls to tighten controls on light ‘polluting’ city
‘Illuminations destroying unique character’
The city’s “unique character” is being blighted by light pollution, according to a fed-up councillor who wants a change in the law.
Barton ward Labour Cllr Dave Wilson says residents are being let down by the failure to protect Canterbury’s “historic views and beautiful area”.
He cites as prime examples new homes in Puckle Lane, off New Dover Road, and exterior lights on nightclub Club Chemistry.
But the city council has no powers in restricting how properties or venues are illuminated. Cllr Wilson said: “I think it’s insane that lighting cannot be controlled by our planning team.
“It’s just bizarre. There’s something wrong with the law and the council enforcement. “The Cathedral is rightly floodlit but you don’t want other places competing with that - especially multi-coloured flashing lights.
“Club Chemistry isn’t exactly on a hidden back street, it’s in one of the most important parts of a World Heritage Site and conservation area.”
In Puckle Lane, bright lights are fixed on the exterior of a row of houses.
Cllr Wilson added: “The current regime for planning controls is letting down the residents by failing to protect our historic views and beautiful area.
“There is either an inadequate policy framework, or too few enforcement officers, or the council is hamstrung by insufficient powers - or perhaps all three.
“So long as this continues our district will continue to deteriorate and lose the unique character which makes it such a superb attraction and place to live.”
But council spokesman Rob Davies says the authority can only act in line with the law. He said: “Lighting often does not require planning permission from the council and therefore we do not have the legal powers to restrict it.
“The lighting that has been placed at Club Chemistry does not require planning permission.”
Club owner Louise Jones-roberts said: “With all the issues facing the city, including our hospital and traffic congestion, I would have thought Cllr Wilson would have better things to focus on than attacking a local business.” n What do you think? Email kentishgazette@thekmgroup. co.uk.