What makes an area of outstanding natural beauty?
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a designated exceptional landscape whose distinctive character and natural beauty are precious enough to be safeguarded in the national interest. AONBs are protected and enhanced for nature, people, business and culture.
Is AONB a statutory designation?
An AONB is a statutory designation stemming from the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, which applies to England and Wales. The designation means that local authorities have: “a permissive power to take action to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the AONBs in their areas.”
Can you get planning permission in an AONB?
Decisions on whether or not to grant planning permission for developments in AONBs are taken by the relevant local planning authority, which generally would be a District Council or Unitary Authority. If the local planning authority refuses to grant permission for a development, the applicant can appeal.
What is the difference between a national park and an AONB?
The National Planning Policy Framework confirms that AONBs are equivalent to National Parks in terms of their landscape quality, scenic beauty and their planning status. AONBs are largely managed by local authority advisory committees or Partnerships, whereas National Parks require a special authority of their own.
Who decides AONB?
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) are designated by Government under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, solely on account of their natural beauty and with the aim of conserving and enhancing it.
Is AONB a conservation area?
An area of outstanding natural beauty ( AONB ) is land protected by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 ( CROW Act ). It protects the land to conserve and enhance its natural beauty. There are 34 AONBs in England.
Is Lake District AONB?
Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the stunning landscape of the Lake District and Cumbria, there are no less than three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Cumbria, each supported by an AONB Partnership for each area and it is these partnerships that manage the future of these areas, working with others to conserve and …
Can I build a house in AONB?
However, a new building in an AONB would be the subject of additional scrutiny. Prominent or stark buildings may not be supported; therefore, it is important to take into account scale, massing and materials so that the development is harmonious within the local landscape.
Are AONB protected?
An area of outstanding natural beauty ( AONB ) is land protected by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 ( CROW Act ). It protects the land to conserve and enhance its natural beauty. There are 34 AONBs in England. See the map of AONBs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Who designated AONB?
What is an AONB designation? Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) are designated by Government under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, solely on account of their natural beauty and with the aim of conserving and enhancing it.
How is an AONB designated in the UK?
Designation process. To designate an AONB, Natural England must issue an order under section 82 of the CROW Act for the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of that area. Before making an order to designate or vary an AONB, Natural England must:
How to designate an AONB under the CRoW Act?
To designate an AONB, Natural England must issue an order under section 82 of the CROW Act for the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of that area. Before making an order to designate or vary an AONB, Natural England must: decide if it’s desirable to designate for the purpose of conserving and enhancing natural beauty
Can a local authority give permission for development in an AONB?
Only local authorities or the Secretary of State can give permission for development in, or affecting, an AONB. As a local authority, you must make sure that any proposals have regard for the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the AONB, for example when:
How long do AONBs have to be in place?
It must be in place within 3 years of an AONB ’s designation. A review must take place within 5 years of the start of the plan. All plans must be available to the public. See the management plans available on each AONB ’s website through the list of links on the Landscapes for Life website.