Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025

North Essex Astronomical Society has its base, The Munday-Sayer Observatory, in the grounds of property called The Observatory which is approximately 1.6 km from the edge of site “Land West of Station Road, Wakes Colne”

The observatory was built in the 1980s by Charles Munday as part of the British Astronomical Association’s programme of observing for the 1985 apparition of Halley’s Comet. The observatory’s location was specifically chosen after a long search due to its unobstructed Southern view and relatively dark skies. It has been used by North Essex Astronomical Society continuously since 1991. The observatory benefitted from a National Lottery Grant which enabled significant improvements to be made. A full history of the observatory may be found at https://www.northessexastro.co.uk/observatory/

The observatory is in weekly use by the society’s 220 members for both casual observing and structured programmes of observing. North Essex Astronomical Society undertakes public outreach across North Essex, including:
- A monthly Young Astronomer’s Club for children of members and non-members.
- Multi-week structured introduction to astronomy covering National Curriculum requirements at multiple Essex schools.
- A programme of free Public Stargazing Events at Great Notley Country Park which are regularly attended by 300+ members of the public of all ages.
- Outreach events for local youth and community groups including scouts/guides and Essex schools.
- Observing, outreach and educational activities at public events, tourist venues and local museums across Essex.
- Monthly programme of lectures featuring speakers from prestigious academic institutions, open to members and the general public.
- Participation in the national STEM Ambassadors scheme for schools.
- Appearances in local and national media to educate and raise awareness of astronomy.
- Participation in national educational and awareness events such as National Astronomy Week.

North Essex Astronomical Society is the largest astronomical society in Essex and the sixth largest society in the country affiliated with the Federation of Astronomical Societies.

Access to a dark skies observatory is an important factor in attracting and maintaining a sufficiently large membership of experienced amateur astronomers willing to volunteer their time and personal equipment to deliver the above programme. Any significant loss of amenity at the observatory would likely reduce the society’s membership and jeopardise its outreach and educational programme. In addition to supporting local astronomy, our Secretary is the President of Federation of Astronomical Societies, a nationwide organisation supporting over 175 groups whose total membership exceeds 12,000 people.

Should this site be developed, we request that planning conditions be put in place to prevent the use of external lighting to avoid the aforesaid loss of amenity.


198. Planning policies and decisions should also ensure that new development is appropriate for its location taking into account the likely effects (including cumulative effects) of pollution on health, living conditions and the natural environment, as well as the potential sensitivity of the site or the wider area to impacts that could arise from the development. In doing so they should:
a) mitigate and reduce to a minimum potential adverse impacts resulting from noise from new development – and avoid noise giving rise to significant adverse impacts on health and the quality of life72;
b) identify and protect tranquil areas which have remained relatively undisturbed by noise and are prized for their recreational and amenity value for this reason; and
c) limit the impact of light pollution from artificial light on local amenity, intrinsically dark landscapes and nature conservation.

We further note that the current government consultation on the NPPF (launched December 2025) maintains the protection of dark skies as a core environmental requirement.

Guidance - Light pollution - Advises on how to consider light within the planning system.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/light-pollution
The section “What factors can be considered when assessing whether a development proposal might have implications for light pollution?” states

• Will the impact of new lighting conflict with the needs of specialist facilities requiring low levels of surrounding light (such as observatories, airports and general aviation facilities)? Impacts on other activities that rely on low levels of light such as astronomy may also be a consideration, but will need to be considered in terms of both their severity and alongside the wider benefits of the development.

The section “What factors are relevant when considering how much the light shines?” states
“The needs of particular individuals or groups will need to be considered where appropriate. These include the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, and the needs of those whose activities rely on low levels of artificial light such as astronomers.”

The CPRE has a light pollution map which shows how dark the sky is at the observatory.
https://www.cpre.org.uk/light-pollution-dark-skies-map/
This map shows Night Light as being in the range of 0.25 – 0.5 NanoWatts / cm2/sr, the second lowest rating.

The Institution of Lighting Professionals has produced a Guidance Note for the reduction of obtrusive light.
https://theilp.org.uk/publication/guidance-note-1-for-the-reduction-of-obtrusive-light-2021/
We would ask that when considering any lighting installation the guidance is referred to.

North Essex Astronomical Society is a supporter of Dark Skies Matter - https://www.darkskiesmatter.org.uk/ Their mission states:
“Dark Skies Matter seeks to reduce the prevalence and harmful effects of unnecessary, artificial light and to protect fragile oases of natural darkness wherever they are still to be found.
Light pollution is the soiling of the twilight and night-time environment by artificial light. The loss of natural night and the damage and waste caused by light pollution affect us all and should matter to everyone.”

Other supporters include the All Party Parliamentary Group for Dark Skies, The Commission for Dark Skies and the Royal Astronomical Society.

We are asking that that should the development go head, the needs of the North Essex Astronomical Society are considered and a good lighting scheme is developed to ensure no loss of amenity.