Decision details

The Cabinet had before it a * report of the Head of Planning, Economy and Regeneration updating Members on the proposed review of the Blackdown Hills (AONB) Management Plan and requesting approval to undertake a public consultation with regard to this.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration outlined the contents of the report stating that the Council had together with other local authorities authorised the Blackdown Hills AONB Partnership to undertake a review of the Management Plans for the AONB by April 2019 as required under Section IV of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.  The past year had seen a period of review with key partners and partnership members in advance of a wider public consultation on a draft plan.

The meeting welcomed Mr Youngs (AONB Manager) who explained by way of presentation the background to the AONB in the Blackdown Hills and the make-up of the partnership, the work that had taken place, the key facts and special qualities with regard to the area, the primary and secondary purposes of AONB’s and photographs highlighting some of the locations within the area.  He also explained the work that was taking place to review the management plan.

Consideration was given to funding streams and the possibility of setting up an AONB for the Exe Valley.

RESOLVED that the public consultation on the review of the Blackdown Hills AONB Management Plan be agreed.

(Proposed by Cllr R J Chesterton and seconded by Cllr Mrs M E Squires)

Note:  *Report previously circulated, copy attached to minutes.