Issue - meetings

Protection of the Greensand Ridge

Meeting: 06/11/2018 - Strategic Planning, Sustainability and Transportation Committee (Item 111)

111 Protection of the Greensand Ridge pdf icon PDF 89 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Mrs Deanne Cunningham, Team Leader (Heritage, Landscape and Design), stated that following a report to the Strategic Planning, Sustainability and Transportation Committee on 10 July 2018, the designation of the Greensand Ridge as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) had been explored.  Mrs Cunningham outlined that the Greensand Ridge was part of wider landscape character areas, however, AONB designation would ensure for the highest possible protection when considering planning policy.  Mrs Cunningham stated that the creation of an AONB was a lengthy and resource intensive process, and that there was a risk that the application would be unsuccessful if it was too limited and there was no support from neighbouring authorities.  The review of national parks and AONBs, however, provided an opportunity to make a representation regarding the Greensand Ridge.

 

The Committee noted that:

 

·  There was an opportunity for an additional tier of protection to be implemented following the national review.

 

·  In promoting the Greensand Ridge as an AONB, consideration needed to be given as to whether this would devalue Landscapes of Local Value (LLV) in the borough.

 

·  Raising the status of LLVs would ensure that they were not devalued, while also providing additional protection to these areas.

 

·  It was prudent to seek the highest level of protection possible for the Greensand Ridge, as this would allow for protection to be reduced at a later date if required.

 

RESOLVED: That

 

1.  The Protection of the Greensand Ridge report be noted.

 

2.  A representation is made to the Review of National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) to seek to secure AONB protection for the Greensand Ridge and an additional tier of protection for the borough’s Landscapes of Local Value areas.

 

3.  Officers liaise with neighbouring authorities and other stakeholders to assess the collective interest in making a joint application on a larger basis.

 

Voting: Unanimous