Consultation launched on new Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for the Yorkshire Wolds
Local residents in the East Riding are being encouraged to participate in a consultation for a new Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty [AONB] in the Yorkshire Wolds.
The plans, by Natural England, would provide national recognition for the Yorkshire Wolds, a large part of which lies in East Yorkshire.
Designating this precious landscape as an AONB could bring many benefits including conserving and enhancing the area’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, as well as the magnificent views and tranquillity of the area.
It could give improved access to nature for the benefit of people’s health and wellbeing, whilst safeguarding an important landscape for future generations. AONBs can also boost economic growth and sustainable local tourism.
The consultation will open on Tuesday 8th October 2024, and will remain open for 12 weeks, for interested parties to comment on the proposal.
There will be a number of drop-in events and webinars to show the proposals and explain how people can have their say.
Details of these events, along with copies of the consultation documents, information about the designation process and about AONBs, are are available to view and download on the consultation website https://consult.defra.gov.uk/ne-landscape-heritage-and-geodiversity-team/yorkshire-wolds-designation/.
People will also have the chance to view the documents at the drop in events and in a small number of local libraries and local authority offices. Details of this are available on the website.
Paper copies of the consultation pack can be requested by emailing the Natural England designation team on YorksWoldsDesignationProject@naturalengland.org.uk or telephoning 0300 060 3900.
Cllr Anne Handley East Riding of Yorkshire Council Leader, said:
“I’m delighted that the Yorkshire Wolds, a large part of which is situated in East Riding, are being considered for national level designation. We are very lucky to have a range of fabulous natural assets from the Wolds to the coast, which attracts millions of visitors each year. It is fantastic to see the area, with its outstanding natural beauty, considered for such a significant status.”
Paul Duncan, Deputy Director for Natural England, said:
“The Yorkshire Wolds is a truly special area, and it is important that everyone, including people who live in and around the community, has their say in this national designation project.
“We’re inviting anyone interested in this fantastic landscape to take the time to examine the proposals and provide their views and comments about the natural beauty of the Wolds, its condition, natural and cultural heritage, and scenic qualities. You can also comment on the desirability of the designation and the proposed boundary. Evidence that you provide could be vital in helping us refine our proposals.”
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Notes to editors
- In summer 2022 Natural England ran an early public engagement with a draft candidate area for a potential Yorkshire Wolds AONB. A detailed proposed area has now been developed and we are keen to share information and engage with stakeholders and the public again.
The designation process
- Once the consultation period has closed, (midnight XXXX 2024) Natural England will assess the feedback and make any amendments. The Natural England board will then consider whether to approve a draft designation order to designate a Yorkshire Wolds AONB.
- If a decision is made to proceed with designation, there will be a further opportunity for everyone to comment on any proposals during a statutory notice period.
- Once the notice period is complete and proposals have been finalised, a signed designation order will be passed to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for confirmation.
- Any order would not come into effect until the Secretary of State has confirmed the designation. The Secretary of State may call a public inquiry at this stage to consider any objections if they consider it necessary.
Further background
- Natural England is the government’s statutory advisor on landscapes in England, with duties and powers that include conserving and enhancing landscapes through the designation of national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty.
- The consultation phase follows an assessment and evaluation of evidence gathered through an earlier ‘call for evidence’ which took place between end of March 2022 to end of April 2022 and a subsequent community engagement exercise and ‘call for response’ which took place in June 2022.
- This project is one of four areas that George Eustice, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, announced in June 2021 that Natural England would be considering for designation, the others are: extensions to the existing Surrey Hills and Chilterns AONBs and a potential new AONB in the Cheshire Sandstone Ridge.
- Further details about the protected landscapes programme can be found by visiting: gov.uk/guidance/areas-of-outstanding-natural-beauty-aonbs-designation-and-management.