Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty definition

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – also referred to as AONB: this legislation is in place to lend great weight to conserve and enhance the landscape and scenic beauty of AONBs, alongside National Parks such as the Peak District and The Broads, which have the highest status of protection in relation to these issues.

The conservation and enhancement of wildlife and cultural heritage are important considerations. Development within the AONB should be limited and development within the setting should be sensitively located and designed to avoid or minimise adverse impacts.

Making a Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA), as well as thorough Ecology and Arboricultural surveys, would be essential to inform design in the AONB. Engaging with a landscape architect from the beginning will ensure the sensitive placement of any development and the enhancement of the setting.