National Landscapes and AONB Management Plans
National Landscapes
The borough of Ashford contains two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB); the Kent Downs AONB in the north and east of the borough and the High Weald AONB located in the south-west. The two AONBs (referred to as National Landscapes) are afforded the highest level of protection under the Countryside Rights of Way Act. The Landscape Character SPD web page provides more detail on the protection of the AONBs.
The AONBs in the borough were not surveyed as part of the Landscape Character Assessment work (which supports the Landscape Character SPD), but the landscape of these areas has been assessed extensively by the AONB management plans, produced by the respective National Landscape units.
Due to each of the AONBs 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 Management Plans – see below:
Kent Downs National Landscape
Kent Downs AONB Management Plan 2021-2026
High Weald National Landscape
High Weald AONB Management Plan
High Weald National Landscape Dark Skies Planning Advice Note (2024)
The High Weald Dark Skies Planning Advice Note has been prepared in collaboration with the 15 local authorities in the High Weald, and aims to support those objectives of the AONB Management Plan which seek to protect the dark skies of the High Weald.
The Planning Advice Note is a technical piece of guidance, aimed specifically at helping Local Authority planning officers to assess lighting proposals in the High Weald, and help planning policy teams consider dark skies in their policy formulation and site allocations. The Advice Note should also help scheme designers to submit well-informed and place-appropriate lighting proposals.
View the High Weald Dark Skies Planning Advice Note.
Design Guide for High Weald National Landscape (2020)
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.
View the High Weald Design Guide.
