Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what are the procedures for the creation, amendment and abolition of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

This is a devolved matter. In England, Natural England has powers under section 82 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 to designate Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and section 83 provides for the procedure. It is for Natural England to consider calls for new AONBs or changes to existing AONBs.

In addition to the formal statutory consultations set out in the legislation, Natural England also, throughout the process, seeks engagement with key interested parties and the general public in and around the area concerned.

Any Designation or Variation Order made by Natural England would need to be advertised and submitted to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for confirmation. Depending on the responses, a public inquiry may be held, and the Secretary of State may confirm, confirm with modifications, or refuse to confirm the order.