Unlike National Parks, AONB Partnerships and AONB Teams have no statutory role in planning.
Instead, subject to staffing and resource demands, we provide advice to support the planning functions of the responsible local authorities. We also provide public and professional advice, recommend useful guidance resources and, where appropriate, the team carries out consultancy work that is of benefit to the AONB.
Both East Devon District and Devon County Councils are expected to be able to clearly demonstrate that they have considered the purposes of AONB designation in their decision making.
WHEN CONSIDERING DEVELOPMENT IN THE AONB
As a first step, we recommend that anyone wishing to understand development in or adjacent to the AONB, reads our planning guide.
This document has been developed to assist individuals, organisations, businesses and developers in preparing or considering proposals for development in the East Devon AONB.
The east Devon Local Plan and the environment and green infrastructure evidence for the District should also be consulted. In particular the Landscape Character Assessment, covering the District and two AONBs, should be used to guide good quality development that is in keeping with the landscape character of the area.
We would strongly advise that you also refer to the AONB Partnership Plan, which provides further policy and outlines the vision and aims that East Devon District and Devon County Councils have for the AONB.
NOTE:
Using the relevant, up-to-date evidence will help demonstrate a clear understanding of the current state of the District and AONB and the locally relevant studies, guides and plans that will be drawn on to assess specific development proposals.
Policy & Advice
Planning Protocol
The East Devon AONB Partnership Planning Protocol outlines how, subject to staffing and resource demands, we will engage in the planning application process.
Any comments made by the AONB Partnership, regarding applications, can be viewed on relevant authority webpages.
Advice Policy
The AONB Team can be approached for pre-application advice on development proposals either by developers, agents or concerned neighbours and members of the public.
Our Advice Policy outlines how we will, where appropriate, charge for such advice.
Consultancy
The AONB team has a wide range of skills covering policy and strategic development, funding, bid development, project management, wildlife conservation and interpretation.
Where appropriate, the team can engage in consultancy work that is of benefit to the AONB. Our Consultancy Policy outlines our approach to this work. Please contact the AONB team for further details.
EAST DEVON AONB BOUNDARY
The blue line on the map* indicates the designated boundary of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the protected landscape within.
The map is for illustrative purposes only, for more detailed boundary information please contact your local planning authority or visit the Devon County Council ‘Environment viewer’ map:
*The East Devon AONB boundary map data has been provided by Natural England under the Open Government Licence, as it contains, or is derived from, information supplied by Ordnance Survey © Crown copyright and database Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100022021. Click here for Terms of Use.
Maps & Location
Is your property in the AONB?
The East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers 103 square miles, includes 18 miles of coast and all or part of 30 parishes. Check if a property is in the AONB.
Environment Viewer
Devon County Council’s highly detailed ‘Environment Map’ of Devon, covers a range of designations, features and sites; including footpaths, commons & heritage sites.
Dorset Explorer
The Dorset Explorer map has more contoured boundary line of the East Devon AONB and other AONB’s.
NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANS
There is great interest in developing Neighbourhood Plans as a way of helping local communities influence the planning of the area in which they live and work.
We have produced a simple guidance note on AONB considerations to aid local communities in developing their Neighbourhood Plans.
The Devon Landscape Policy Group has produced further guidance on taking landscape into account, which is available here. In addition, detailed advice and guidance on Neighbourhood Plans is provided by East Devon District Council is available here.
Alternatively email [email protected] or call on 01395 571736.
More to Explore
East Devon AONB Projects
We lead, partner and support projects that focus on a wide range of themes, including landscape and heritage, environmental quality and climate, biodiversity, recreation and tourism.
Outdoors & Active
Whether you prefer walking, cycling, running or playing, everyone feels happier and healthier when they spend time in nature being more active.
East Devon Way
Discover the hidden gems of East Devon and explore this much loved walking route that links 40 miles of public footpaths, trails and bridleways.