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This from Tim Bamford, Regional Director of CLA South East, which represents thousands of farmers, landowners and rural businesses in Kent, Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and the Isle of Wight. Ed
In 2019, an extensive review of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and National Parks in England was published by Julian Glover.
The review included the recommendation that AONBs were rebranded as National Landscapes to strengthen them with new ‘purposes, powers and resources’, and this came into effect last week.
Introduction of additional powers
AONBs will not become planning bodies as National Parks are, but it is likely that we could see the introduction of additional powers.
This will enable the AONBs to provide comments that carry a further weight in the assessment of planning applications than existing.
Could lead to difficulty for developments
It could ultimately lead to further difficulty for those wishing to undertake development within these designated areas, bringing constraints in line with those already experienced by farmers living within National Parks.
A planning survey undertaken earlier this year identified that 58 per cent of Country Land and Business Association (CLA) members who live within National Parks and AONBs have buildings that they wish to convert, but are unable to, due to current planning rules and restrictions.
Permitted development regime needs amending
The risk of the rebranding of AONBs and additional emphasis on their purpose further highlights the need for the government to amend the existing permitted development regime to enable the conversion of suitable agricultural buildings into much-needed rural homes.
Change must not be stifled within these designated areas. It is important that diversification is allowed to inject additional financial resources that conserves and enhances landscapes in line with their purpose.
