New research by the National Trust on how the reformed planning system is working in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) has found that though the policy is fine there are problems with how safeguards to prevent inappropriate development are being implemented.
The research is one of a series of regular reports being commissioned by the National Trust as part of their commitment to keeping an eye on how the Government’s planning reforms (the National Planning Policy Framework or NPPF) are working in practice.
The latest report looks at what’s happening in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) which, along with National Parks, are our most distinctive and therefore cherished landscapes.
Though the Government’s commitment to protecting AONBs is clear the Trust’s research found that insomeplaces there were problems with how safeguards to prevent inappropriate development are being implemented, exacerbated by local planning authorities losing staff and expertise and being pressured to make decisions in favour of development.
The report suggests 9 tests that may assist local authorities with the practical application of protected landscape law and policy in AONBs and concludes with 4 recommendations to Government.
National Trust report on Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and development
More on AONBs and National Parkson AONBs and National Parks