Decision details

Formal adoption of the reviewed and revised High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan 2019-24.

Background

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 requires local authorities within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to act jointly to prepare and publish an up-to-date plan which ‘formulates their policy for the management of the area and for the carrying out of their functions in relation to it’.  The High Weald AONB Unit leads the development of this plan on the behalf of local authorities, overseen by the Joint Advisory Committee.   

The High Weald AONB Management Plan was originally publish in 2004 as a 20 year strategy and this is reviewed every five years.  Reviews, with minor revisions, have taken place in 2009 and 2014.  In 2017, the third review was instructed.  The review has needed to take account of the potential impact of Brexit on agri-environmental policy and the significant increase in development pressure on the AONB since the last review.  The plan has also required amendments to bring it in line with the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan (published 2018).     

Following stakeholder engagement and a formal consultation process, this plan is now with the relevant local authorities for adoption.  KCC submitted comments to the formal consultation process in July 2018 and we are satisfied that these have been adequately addressed.  The Management Plan supports the Council’s Strategic Outcome of “Kent communities feel the benefits of economic growth by being in-work, healthy and enjoying a good quality of life” by helping to support: rural business and economic growth; a good quality of life; well planned housing growth; and a physical and natural environment that is protected, enhanced and can be enjoyed. 

The review is backed by a Strategic Environmental Assessment, Habitats Regulations Assessment and Equality Impact Assessment. 

It is therefore considered that the High Weald AONB Management Plan 2019-24 as amended can be adopted by KCC.  It is not anticipated that the revised Management Plan will place any additional obligations on the County Council in terms of resources, although relevant units within the County Council will need to consider the revised Management Plan in relation to their operations (as they are already bound to do).  For reference, KCC provides an annual contribution of £9.5k to the High Weald AONB Unit.

As Cabinet Member for Planning, Highways, Transport and Waste I agree to formally adopt the reviewed and revised High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan 2019-24.