Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

These are Conservation designated areas. There are 41 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales which, along with National Parks are recognised as being our most important scenic areas and worthy of special protection.

The Norfolk Coast AONB was designated in 1968. It has a total area of approximately 450 km2, based mainly around areas of undeveloped coastal landscape. The boundary extends up to 6km inland in places and was determined by the Countryside Commission (now the Countryside Agency) at the time of designation. In places this can now seem incongruous, but rather than a clear dividing line it may be more helpful to see the boundary as a guide to assist in protecting the special qualities of the area.
See also:

• Natural England Norfolk AONB - Natural England comprises English Nature, the Countryside Agency and the Rural Development Service
• Norfolk Coast Partnership AONB - web page

What does an AONB designation mean for Planners?

Planning authorities (county and district councils) have an obligation to include policies within their structure and local plans which aim to conserve and enhance the special scenic qualities of AONBs. The powers within the planning system, however, do not cover all aspects of change within the area. "Permitted development" and changes in land management are obvious exceptions.

Designated Landscapes

England's finest countryside has been designated by the Countryside Agency (before April 1999 by the Countryside Commission) as National Parks or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. These areas are protected by law to ensure conservation and enhancement of their natural beauty not just for the present, but also for future generations. In addition, Heritage Coasts represent stretches of our most beautiful, undeveloped coastline, but do not enjoy the same statutory status as the other two designations. Together all three are often referred to as "protected landscapes".

Both National Parks and AONBs have their origins in the same post war movements to protect the countryside and were given protective designation under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 to conserve and enhance their natural beauty. Natural England is responsible for designating AONBs and advising Government and others on how they should be protected and managed. Areas are designated solely for their landscape qualities for the purpose of conserving and enhancing their natural beauty.

Much of North Norfolk which is not an AONB is designated as an Area of High Landscape Value. NNDC's Local Plan Policy 21 states that: 'the appearance and character of the Area of High Landscape Value will be conserved and enhanced. Development proposals that would be significantly detrimental to its appearance or character will not be permitted.'

The Local Plan maps of North Norfolk, available on the Local Plan Map Page, denote the AONB area with yellow, forwards tilted diagonal hatching, and Areas of High Landscape Value with yellow, backwards tilted diagonal hatching.