Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
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:
You can also view the coverage of the
Kent Downs AONB of
Ashford through our online Digital Mapping Service.
This webpage was updated on
11/20/2007