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ITEM EX17 - ANNEX 1

EXECUTIVE – 16 MARCH 2004

MANAGEMENT PLANS – NORTH WESSEX DOWNS AND COTSWOLDS AREAS OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

Chilterns AONB Management Plan – "A Framework for Action"

Summary

The Background

In 1965, an area of 800 km² of the Chiltern Hills was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), encompassing the dramatic chalk escarpment with its characteristic open downland, and the rolling farmland of the dipslope, interspersed with extensive woodlands and dotted with picturesque villages and historic buildings. Special care is needed to protect this beautiful and nationally important landscape from damaging change and to maintain its special qualities for the benefit of future generations.

The current Management Plan for the AONB was published in 1994. Much has happened since then and many of the Plan’s objectives have been met. The Plan has been successful in introducing new initiatives and closer working between the many agencies involved. There have been important changes in national policies in the last seven years and it is time for a fresh plan to meet new challenges.

A fundamental review of the old Plan has been undertaken by the shadow Chilterns Conservation Board on behalf of the local authorities of the Chilterns, with the help of a wide crosssection of interested parties including statutory authorities and voluntary organisations. The Board is now publishing the results of this review, in the form of a draft new plan, for public comment.

This new Chilterns AONB Management Plan will provide a framework for co-ordinating and directing management activity towards the conservation and enhancement of this precious landscape and the promotion of acceptable social and economic development. The Plan places the emphasis on securing conditions for more sustainable development in the Chilterns. The Management Plan recognises that protection and enhancement of the AONB is already an aim of statutory planning policy at the national, regional and local level, and that many organisations and individuals are actively and successfully pursuing this aim through existing management initiatives across the AONB. These efforts should be given a clearer focus and greater support through the Management Plan framework.

Format of the draft Management Plan

The new Plan sets out, in the Introduction, a Vision for the Future of the Chiltern Hills. It then describes what needs to be done to move towards the achievement of this Vision. The need for integrated thinking and cross-sectoral action is emphasised. For presentational convenience, however, the Plan is arranged in a series of thematic chapters. In each chapter, broad thematic aims are defined; a series of management objectives set out and for each objective, a number of necessary strategic actions. For each of these actions, one or more of the partner agencies or bodies is identified to take the lead in securing implementation.

This Plan is a framework for action over the next five years. It is not in itself a costed work programme. A three-year work programme will be published to complement the Management Plan. This work programme will shape and bring together the relevant parts of the partner bodies’ own work programmes, complementing them with Chilterns-wide initiatives and projects. It will be rolled forward each year.

The Framework for Action

The conservation and enhancement of natural beauty is the cornerstone of the Plan and this embraces not only the outstanding scenic qualities of the landscape, but also its wildlife and cultural heritage. The Plan recognises that the Chilterns is a living landscape, continuing to be shaped by human activity and providing a home for 100,000 people. Accordingly, the core of the Plan is arranged in two parts: Chapters 4-8 deal with the physical fabric and Chapters 9-13 with life and work in the Chilterns. The main thrust of the framework is summarised briefly as follows:

Landscape

Conservation of the distinctive character and aesthetic appeal of the landscape will be helped by a clearer understanding of what makes the area so special. The characteristic elements of chalk scenery (the open chalk downland in particular); the well-wooded character of the plateau; the elements of ancient countryside which give the landscape such a sense of permanence and history; landscape diversity and local distinctiveness; and the unspoilt, rural character of the countryside, are identified as the most important attributes which should be conserved and strengthened. The emphasis of the Plan is therefore on reinforcing and re-establishing these characteristics across the AONB, while increasing public awareness and appreciation of the landscape.

Nature Conservation

The Historic Environment

The Plan’s strategy for the conservation of the historic environment of the Chilterns is similarly to support the protection of the most important individual features and the broad "cultural landscape" whilst developing a better understanding of the extent and condition of the historic resource. There are proposed new initiatives to characterise historic landscapes across the AONB, identifying locally distinctive historic landscape patterns and features, and to assess risks, opportunities and limits to acceptable change involved in enhanced access to historic sites. The importance of increasing appreciation and understanding of the historic environment amongst local communities and visitors, and the benefits this could bring, is stressed.

The Built Environment

The towns and villages of the Chilterns have, through history, been important in shaping the character of this nationally important landscape. The scale and nature of development over the last one hundred years has threatened or damaged the distinctive character of many Chilterns villages and of the wider landscape. It is acknowledged that development must be allowed to continue, to meet social and economic needs, but this development must be managed carefully. The Plan seeks to complement the statutory planning process by identifying positive ways in which new development can contribute to the improvement of the built environment. It puts forward proposals for maintaining and improving local distinctiveness through implementing Chilterns design guidance, managing isolated developments in the wider countryside and ameliorating the impact of intrusive development.

The Water Environment

The chalk streams of the Chilterns are examples of a globally rare habitat and among the most attractive parts of the AONB. Increases in the demand for water have meant increased groundwater abstraction leading to reduced and irregular flows in many Chilterns rivers. Rectifying these problems has been a major focus for action in recent years and the Management Plan puts forward measures in support of the Environment Agency’s successful programmes of work. Proposals are also made for integrated habitat conservation and landscape enhancement programmes centred on the chalk streams. Close working will be maintained in implementing this Plan and the two Local Environment Agency Plans for Chilterns river catchments.

People, Jobs and Services

This chapter has been introduced into the Review in recognition of the increased weight the Conservation Board accords to social and economic considerations. The Chilterns is, generally, a very prosperous area. This does not make it immune from many of the social and economic problems which beset rural communities throughout the country: indeed, it can make matters more difficult. Access to affordable housing is particularly difficult for many local people. The continuing decline of local services, the limited nature of rural public transport and the need to diversify away from traditional local sources of employment are all issues which are being addressed by a variety of agencies in the Chilterns. The Plan helps to identify ways in which the work of conserving the AONB and raising understanding and enjoyment of the Chilterns can potentially benefit local communities and the economy.

Agriculture and Forestry

The Plan recognises the importance of farming in maintaining the rural character of the countryside and the urgent need to help farmers to stay on the land and manage it in an environmentally sensitive way. Existing incentives and sources of practical help and advice are promoted, but it is acknowledged that these may not be sufficient to maintain farm incomes in the foreseeable future. The Plan therefore promotes a sympathetic attitude towards the development of alternative enterprises and uses of farm buildings, subject to over-riding environmental considerations. It also promotes the local branding and marketing of produce and calls for the development of a Chilterns-wide agri-environment scheme to support the sensitive and economically viable management, restoration and public enjoyment the countryside.

The Chilterns woodlands are a determining feature in the landscape of the AONB and principles for woodland management are well-established. The Management Plan does not replace the guidance contained within the revised Woodland Policy statement (1992), but reaffirms and proposes to extend in the light of current circumstances, promoting sound practice to ensure the long-term viability of the woodland resource. Continued emphasis is given to bringing all woodland areas into sustainable management and for researching and promoting markets for woodland products. Woods designated for their wildlife importance must be managed so as to meet targets in biodiversity and habitat action plans. The Plan calls for the planting of new woodlands in selected areas to strengthen existing landscape character.

Minerals and Waste Disposal

Chalk quarries on the plateau top and set in the scarp, have had a dramatic impact on the landscape of the AONB. Kensworth in Bedfordshire is the only large quarry still active and new major mineral extraction schemes seem unlikely. The issue is how best to restore the landscape. The Plan discusses the various methods that have used, including landfill. It pledges support to the County Councils in their efforts to secure appropriate restoration measures and encourages, where appropriate, the management of redundant quarries for nature conservation and/or recreational purposes. It also encourages the continuation of the local small-scale brickmaking industry, to ensure a continued supply of high quality traditional building materials.

Recreation and Access

The Chiltern Hills are one of the largest and most popular rural areas for informal recreation in England. The Plan seeks the provision of high quality recreation and access opportunities for visitors and local people alike that are compatible with the over-riding aim of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the area. This will require enhanced awareness, understanding and concern for the landscape, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Chilterns among those using the area for recreation, and the Plan provides for this. The Plan proposes to develop and maintain a strategic understanding of recreation activity, management needs and priorities across the AONB; to promote environmentally sustainable management of recreation sites; to foster improved links between town and country and to maintain and enhance the Rights of Way network. The intention is to develop and promote a "Countryside for All" strategy and to promote non-car-

borne access to minimise the deleterious impact of recreation or tourism activity within the wider countryside.

Travel and Transport

Major transport routes pass through and very close to the Chilterns, and the area has a complex internal pattern of movement and transport needs to manage. Movement of people, goods and information is the lifeblood of the area, but must be managed with great sensitivity. The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 places a new duty on those involved in developing and managing transport infrastructure and networks in AONBs to have regard to the natural beauty of such areas: the Plan helps to establish how the relevant authorities can comply with the Act. The adverse impacts of vehicular movement - noise, pollution, danger and disruption - on landscape quality and rural character are becoming ever more serious. The Plan proposes a range of policy initiatives, to be undertaken in partnership with the appropriate authorities to promote options which reduce the need to travel by car; promote the use of public transport, cycling and walking; develop area-based approaches to traffic management; restrict the use of rural roads by inappropriate traffic; develop networks of Quiet Lanes; lower speed limits in selected areas and where necessary apply physical traffic calming techniques.

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