Issue - meetings

To consider the head of planning’s report. 

Cabinet considered the head of planning’s report, which sought the adoption of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan 2019-2024. 

The production of a management plan was a statutory requirement.  All nine constituent councils within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty had responsibility to adopt the plan, which had been produced by the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’s Council of Partners.  The Council of Partners had councillor and officer representation from each constituent council and held its meetings in public. 

Cabinet considered that an up to date management plan was an important tool in furthering the objectives of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’s designation.  While the primary focus was to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there was also a duty to increase public understanding and enjoyment, and to foster the social and economic wellbeing of the area.  The plan brought together the public and private interests of the area to deliver the purposes of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in a sustainable way.  Cabinet supported the recommendation to adopt the management plan. 

RESOLVED: to adopt the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan 2019-2024.