AONB Management Plans
The borough of Ashford contains two National Landscapes (formerly known as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)); the Kent Downs National Landscape in the north and east of the borough and the High Weald National Landscape located in the south-west. The two National Landscapes are afforded the highest level of protection under the Countryside Rights of Way Act. The SPD above provides more detail on the protection of the National Landscapes.
The National Landscapes in the borough were not surveyed as part of the Landscape Character Assessment work, but the landscape of these areas has been assessed extensively by the AONB management plans, produced by the respective National Landscape units. Due to the National Landscapes being treated as separate landscape character areas, it is considered that the information for the protection of these nationally important areas should be obtained from the relevant National Landscape unit – see below:
Kent Downs National Landscape
Kent Downs AONB Management Plan 2021-2026
High Weald National Landscape
High Weald AONB Management Plan
January 2020 – New Design Guide for High Weald AONB
This guidance aims to inspire high-quality design in keeping with special character of the High Weald and to prevent ‘generic’ housing developments.
The High Weald Housing Design Guide gives practical, clear advice on expectations for new housing development including site layout, building appearance and materials, public spaces and parking provision. It is aimed at all those involved in the built environment of the AONB, from designers, developers and highways engineers through to planning decision-makers.
