Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) are designated by Government under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, solely on account of their natural beauty and with the aim of conserving and enhancing it.

The criteria for designation of AONB s are:

• Quality of landscape, natural beauty, unspoilt or special quality of national significance.
• Extent and continuity.
• Unusual or unique characteristics.

Designation demands that planning policies and decisions should focus on the conservation and enhancement of the landscape.

Ashford borough has two areas designated as  AONB s. The Kent Downs AONB covers much of the northern part of the borough whilst the High Weald covers parts of the western part of the borough, this places many restrictions on development within the area.

Further information on AONB ’s, the Kent Downs and the High Weald can be found by viewing the websites below:

• Countryside Agency
• Kent Downs
• High Weald

You can also view the coverage of the Kent Downs AONB of Ashford through our online Digital Mapping Service.