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.
The criteria for designation of AONBs are:
- Quality of landscape, natural beauty, unspoilt or special quality of national significance;
- Extent and continuity;
- Unusual or unique characteristics.
Designation demands that planning policies and decisions should focus on the conservation and enhancement of the landscape.
Share this article
