Areas of outstanding natural beauty

Copyright © 2026 LexisNexis

STOP PRESS: A revised version of the National Planning Policy Framework was published on 17 August 2026. This content is being reviewed in light of the revised version.

What are AONBs?

Areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONBs) are areas of countryside in England and Wales outside national parks which are designated in recognition of their significant landscape value. The primary purpose of AONB designation is 'to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the landscape'.

Two secondary aims complement this purpose:

  1. •

    to meet the need for quiet enjoyment of the countryside

  2. •

    to have regard for the interests of those who live and work there

On 22 November 2023, all designated AONBs in England and Wales were rebranded as ‘National Landscapes’, although they are still referred to as AONBs in legislation and policy.

See Practice Notes: Areas of outstanding natural beauty (National Landscapes), Biodiversity and nature—protected sites and Non-statutory designated areas.

Responsible authorities

Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), and local planning authorities (LPAs) all play a role in designating...

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

Existing user? Sign-in TAKE A FREE TRIAL
Powered by Lexis+®
Latest Planning News

Planning weekly highlights—3 September 2026

This week’s edition of Planning weekly highlights includes: draft Regulations proposing increases to planning application fees in England, Defra...

MHCLG publishes replacement Building Act 1984 direction on fibre optic cabling in non-HRBs

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published Circular 03/2026, announcing a replacement direction issued by the...

Planning weekly highlights—27 August 2026

This week’s edition of Planning weekly highlights includes: government announcements on affordable housing funding and measures to improve section 106...

Defra publishes biodiversity net gain guidance for infrastructure projects

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has published guidance for developers on meeting mandatory biodiversity net gain...

View Planning by content type :  
News
Practice notes
Precedents
Q&As

Popular documents

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)What is a Site of Special Scientific Interest?Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are sites in England and Wales which are given legal protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (WCA 1981), in recognition of their special interest by

Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companies

Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companiesWhy does it matter?A company that is a member of a group and has incurred any of the types of losses available for surrender by way of group relief may, without any further rules, have more than one way in which to use the loss. There are a

If a rentcharge is shown as being informally exonerated on title information, does this apply to the

If a rentcharge is shown as being informally exonerated on title information, does this apply to the current registered owner? Or does the informal exoneration only apply to the parties to the document which informally exonerated the rentcharge?This Q&A considers the situation where, at some point

Can shares in a limited company that have not been paid-up at all be cancelled?

Can shares in a limited company that have not been paid-up at all be cancelled?A limited company having a share capital may not alter that share capital, except in the ways listed in section 617 of the Companies Act 2006 (CA 2006). Shares in a company cannot simply be cancelled without following an
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)What is a Site of Special Scientific Interest?Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are sites in England and Wales which are given legal protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (WCA 1981), in recognition of their special interest by

Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companies

Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companies

Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companiesWhy does it matter?A company that is a member of a group and has incurred any of the types of losses available for surrender by way of group relief may, without any further rules, have more than one way in which to use the loss. There are a

If a rentcharge is shown as being informally exonerated on title information, does this apply to the

If a rentcharge is shown as being informally exonerated on title information, does this apply to the

If a rentcharge is shown as being informally exonerated on title information, does this apply to the current registered owner? Or does the informal exoneration only apply to the parties to the document which informally exonerated the rentcharge?This Q&A considers the situation where, at some point

Can shares in a limited company that have not been paid-up at all be cancelled?

Can shares in a limited company that have not been paid-up at all be cancelled?

Can shares in a limited company that have not been paid-up at all be cancelled?A limited company having a share capital may not alter that share capital, except in the ways listed in section 617 of the Companies Act 2006 (CA 2006). Shares in a company cannot simply be cancelled without following an