‘Terrible’ for dark skies

Astronomer Ian Griffin has resigned as chairman of the Dunedin City Council’s dark-skies advisory panel in the wake of an Otago Peninsula planning decision.

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The ruling, by a planning commissioner, to allow four homes on land designated an outstanding natural landscape area has also prompted strong reaction from two peninsula groups.

Dr Griffin last night said the "terrible" decision had the potential to destroy the two best dark-sky sites close to Dunedin. He was going to focus his efforts there. Because a place he held dear was under threat "the honourable thing to do" was to step down.

The decision  could be appealed.