Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If your question is not answered below, or if you need further information, contact the Cornwall AONB Unit.
What is the difference between an AONB and a National Park?
Where is the Cornwall AONB boundary?
When was the Cornwall AONB given it's designation?
What does it mean in practice?
How is the AONB Partnership/Unit funded?
What Government Act does the AONB designation relate?
Is there any specific guidance for building development in the AONB?
What powers does the Cornwall AONB Partnership have?
Is the Cornwall AONB Management Plan a statutory document?
what is an aonb?
An area is designated as an AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) to conserve and enhance it's landscape qualities.
what is the difference between an AONB and a National Park?
They have the same status in terms of protection. In addition, National Parks are required to promote opportunities for understanding and enjoyment of their special qualities by the public. They are administered by National Park Authorities which control planning and development and co-ordinate management activities. In AONBs, planning and development control functions are administered by the local authorities. Most funding for National Parks comes through DEFRA; most funding for AONBs comes through natural England.
Where is the Cornwall AONB boundary?
The Cornwall AONB makes up approximately a third of the county and consists of 12 separate parts - 10 stretches of coastline, the Camel Estuary and Bodmin Moor (see Where is the AONB?)
When was the Cornwall AONB given it's designation?
The Cornwall AONB was designated in 1959 under the 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, with the Camel Estuary being added in 1981.
What does it mean in practice?
It means the landscape is both protected and must be managed in certain specific ways. The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 gave a responsibility to local authorities who fall within AONB areas to produce a management plan to set out ways the AONB landscape will be managed.
What Government Act does the AONB designation relate?
1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act initiated the existence of the AONB designation. More recently, the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW) made it a statutory duty for local authorities with an AONB in its authority to produce a Management Plan.
What is Section 85?
This is part of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 which states that, "In exercising or performing any functions in relation to, or so as to affect, land in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a relevant authority shall have regard to the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the area."
Is there any specific guidance for building development in the AONB?
Local authority planning guidelines take the AONB landscape into account when building or other developmentis proposed. A brief planning guide is available from this site (see Planning section) and the Cornwall AONB Unit may produce a specific design guide in the future once a comprehensive Landscape Character Assessment has been produced..
I think some unauthorised development or activities are taking place - can I do anything, or can you stop it?
Yes. There are lots of ways in which unauthorised development can be stopped. In the first instance, contact the AONB Unit or your local council.
What powers does the Cornwall AONB Partnership have?
It was set up in 2002 to produce and agreed the Cornwall AONB Management Plan. The individual organisations that make up the Cornwall AONB Partnership have the powers to advise, conserve, protect and ensure only sustainable development takes place.
Is the Cornwall AONB Management Plan a statutory document?
The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 made it a statutory requirement that the Cornwall AONB Management Plan be produced, but the Management Plan is not a statutory document. It is a guidance document that planners, land managers and others are encouraged to use when carrying out their duties and responsibilities.A new Management Plan is currently being produced.
How is the AONB Partnership/Unit funded?
75% of the Cornwall AONB core budget (which includes Partnership running costs and the Cornwall AONB staff costs) is funded by Natural England (Government Agency formed in October 2006 - formerly the Countryside Agency). Cornwall Council contributes the remaining 25%. The National Trust also make a financial contribution.
What is the size of the AONB?
The Cornwall AONB covers an area of 958 sq km.
