On the 22nd of November, all designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) across England and Wales became ‘National Landscapes’. The new ‘Dorset National Landscape’ covers approximately 42% of the county stretching from Lyme Regis in the west, along the coast to Poole Harbour in the east, and north to Hambledon Hill near Blandford. Planning policy provides great weight to conserving and enhancing National Landscapes with the scale and extent of development in these areas limited, along with permitted development rights restricted – most notably the removal of rights to convert agricultural buildings to dwellinghouses (Class Q).
Landscapes for life (previously the National AONB Association) have explained that the change will strengthen National Landscapes with ‘new purposes, powers, and resources’ to deliver for ‘nature, climate and people.’
Sophia Dykes Assistant Planner at Chapman Lily Planning commented ‘The rebrand of AONBs to National Landscapes has not altered the protection these landscapes are afforded under the planning system, but rather marks the national interest and commitment to conserve them for future generations.’
