Image: Kimmeridge Bay (Dorset, National Landscape)
‘Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ (AONBs) have now been rebranded to ‘National Landscapes’
As of Wednesday, 22nd November 2023, all designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in England and Wales were rebranded as National Landscapes. The new name is designed to better reflect their national importance. An extensive review of AONBs and National Parks in England entitled ‘Landscapes Review’ was published in 2018 by Julian Glover. The review found that AONBs often lack the resources to properly engage with the planning system and have limited influence in planning decisions. The central proposal of the report was to ‘bring National Parks and AONBs together as part of one family of national landscapes’.
The rebrand brings all AONBs together and the shift should also enable additional funding sources and an increase in the profile of AONBs nationally, as a recent survey carried out by the organisation showed that public awareness of them was below 50%. The change will not make National Landscape planning bodies in their own right like National Parks, but it is likely they will receive additional powers, enabling their assessment of planning applications to carry more weight. Going forward, the designation of AONBs shall still be recognized in planning legislation as Article 2(3) land.
Image: Nice and Serious branding
The rebrand is not just in name it is a whole brand overhaul to unite all 38 independent organisations as one. Including logos, colour palette, signage, publications and tone of voice.
“Modern challenges require new approaches and today marks the beginning of a new phase for our National Landscapes, as they strengthen their existing partnerships, and forge new ones that will secure in perpetuity the huge range of benefits that come from these special places. Big change has taken place during the past 75 years and bigger changes still can be expected during the decades ahead. Uniting the National Landscapes in this way is very welcome and spells immense opportunity and great hope for the future.”
Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England
This represents a significant step toward enhancing protections for our landscapes. Moving forward, The Landmark Practice will consider this in all aspects of our work, particularly in relation to our landscape planning work within these sensitive landscapes. For any assistance with landscape planning or landscape and visual assessment, please contact us.
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