Decision details

. Wiltshire Council is required by Section 89 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 to prepare and publish a management plan for any and all AONBs in its area. The plan has to be reviewed every five years. The existing plan covers the period 1st April 2014 to 31st March 2019, so the council must prepare and publish a new plan for the five years 1st April 2019 to 31st March 2024. The report explains how the council meets this duty by adopting, as a joint signatory, to a management plan for the full extent  of the AONB, prepared by the  AONB Partnership Board and  adopted by all of the local authorities parts of whose areas lie  within the boundary of the AONB.  The existing Management Plan covers the years 2014-2019, so the authority now needs to adopt the next generation plan for the years 2019 - 2024.

I approve adoption of the Management Plan 2019-2024 prepared by the AONB Council of Partners

This decision was made on 12 July 2019 and will come into force on 22 July 2019.

To ensure that Wiltshire Council meets its statutory duty under Section 89 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 to prepare and publish a management for the AONB for 2019 – 2024.

1)         To adopt the Management Plan 2019 - 2024  prepared by the  AONB Council of Partners.

2)         Not to adopt the Management Plan 2019 - 2024 prepared by the AONB Council of Partners.

The Draft Management Plan was made available for comment as follows:

1.         A dedicated North Wessex Downs E Bulletin circulated to residents, local businesses and individuals who had expressed an interest in the AONB by signing up to quarterly Bulletin.

2.         A  dedicated E Bulletin was sent to all constituent Parish Councils

3.         A dedicated web page for the consultation was created and a copy of the Plan uploaded to the website with a form to complete to capture comments.

4.         In accordance with Section 90 of the Countryside & Rights of Way Act 2000 Natural England was consulted.

5.         Natural England on behalf of the AONB requested comments from the Environment Agency and the Forestry Commission.

6.         The officers attending the Council of Partners coordinated responses from their local authorities.

7.         List of respondents attached.