Highland councillors to consider new ‘Dark Skies’ planning policy

When

28 May 2026

9:30 am - 5:00 pm

Where

Highland Council Chambers, Highland Council Headquarters
Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, Highland, IV3 5NX

Event Type

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Highland Councillors to consider new ‘Dark Skies’ Planning Policy

See HC Press release on 22 May 2026 Highland councillors to consider new ‘Dark Skies’ planning policy – Highland Council

Details have also been published in the press – over the weekend of 23/24 May 2026 – across the following media and related sources.

Press Links:

DSI UK (Joint) ‘Dark Sky Community’ Application for Strathnairn + Stratherrick & Foyers Communities

For more information on DSI UK (Joint) Dark Sky Community Application for Strathnairn + Stratherrick & Foyers Communities see Strathnairn Stargazing Group (SSG) Strathnairn Stargazing Group

Photograph | The Milky Way over Loch Ruthven by Strathnairn-resident, David-Huxtable Reid.

To be presented to the Economy and Infrastructure Committee on 28 May 2026

AGENDA

A meeting of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee will take place in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Thursday, 28 May 2026 at 9.30am.

Note: Item 11 | Dark Skies Draft Planning Policy is 1 of 17 items to be discussed on the agenda for the day, so precise timing for the day will not be issued by HC.

Note on Attendance: Representatives from Strathnairn/Stratherrick & Foyers Community Councils or Community are welcome to attend – and SSG are confirmed as doing so – but we are not permitted to speak or contribute to the debate on the day. If attending, it is as an observer only (and member of the public).

Webcast Notice: This meeting will be filmed and broadcast over the Internet on the Highland Council website and will be archived and available for viewing for 12 months thereafter.

BUSINESS

(Extracted from the Highland Council’s website)

11. Dark Skies Draft Planning Policy
Dreachd Phoileasaidh Dealbhachaidh nan Iarmailtean Dorcha

There is circulated Report No. ECI20/26 by the Assistant Chief Executive – Place. Item_11___Dark_Skies_Draft_Planning_Policy

The Committee is invited to:-

I. note the benefits of reducing light pollution outlined in section 5 of the report;
ii. note the practicalities of achieving such a reduction and the range of policy and guidance options available to the Council as outlined in section 6 of the report; and
iii. agree that officers formulate and consult on a specific light pollution reduction policy within the new Highland Local Development Plan and that interim technical guidance be brought to this committee for approval before the end of this calendar year.

For general information about the role of the committee and associated responsibilities Tasks and responsibilities – Economy and infrastructure committee – Highland Council