Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) are designated by the same means and under the same legislation as National Parks.

The primary objective of the designation is to conserve the natural beauty of the landscape.

Local Authorities are required to reflect this objective in their Structure and Local Plans and in determining planning applications.

Structure Plans lay down broad categories with regards to planning issues. For example, they will determine how much housing and industrial land should be allocated and, in general terms, where this should be. Local Plans lay down more detailed planning policies. A Local Plan must reflect the Structure Plan. Over a period of time Structure Plans will be replaced by Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Plans by Local Development Frameworks.

In general, policies and development control decisions affecting areas of AONB should favour conservation of the natural beauty of the landscape.

In order to ensure the continued protection of the landscape and character of AONB planning permission will only be granted where a proposal:

(a) respects the natural beauty of the area in terms of siting, use, form, layout, design and materials

(b) complements, and is consistent with the quiet informal enjoyment of the area by the public

(c) respects the distinctive qualities of the AONB

Opportunities will be taken, wherever possible, to enhance the landscape character of the AONB and secure long term positive management measures.

The environmental effect of all new proposals will be a major consideration, although it will also be appropriate to have regard to the economic and social well being of the area.

Major commercial or industrial development would be incompatible with the protection of the character of the AONB. A demonstrable national need and lack of alternative sites could justify any exception.

For further advice contact our team direct or talk to your usual contact in the firm.