Issue - meetings

National Landscapes Update

Meeting: 19/09/2024 - Planning Policy Committee (Item 104)

104 National Landscapes Update pdf icon PDF 84 KB

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Minutes:

The Committee received an update on the Surrey Hills AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) (known as Natural Landscapes) Boundary review. Natural England had published an analysis report of the 2023 consultation. This report set out the proposed changes to the boundary extension, with 27 additions and 13 deletions. A second consultation opened on 17 September and would close on 10 December 2024. The focus of the consultation was on the proposed additions and deletions to the proposed boundary amendment. Approval was sought for the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Planning Policy Working Group and Planning Policy Officers, to prepare a response.

 

It was also noted that Natural England had suggested Surrey authorities work together on the issue of Areas of Great Landscape Value (AGLV) that had not been included.

 

Members were pleased with the additions but expressed concern over several areas that were proposed to be deleted, or which had been suggested for inclusion but had been rejected.

 

The Committee were also informed about the Dark Skies Technical Advice Note published by the High Weald Joint Advisory Committee. This guidance was an important tool to enable appropriately designed lighting schemes within the AONB.

R E S O L V E D – that the report be noted and the Deputy Chief Executive, given the timescales involved, be authorised to prepare a formal response to the forthcoming consultation, in collaboration with the Planning Policy Working Group and Planning Policy Officers.