Breadcrumbs
Management arrangements for Cornwall AONB
The Cornwall AONB Partnership was established in October 2002 to ensure a co-ordinated and strategic approach to the protection and enhancement of this special landscape and the viability of the communities within it. The Partnership is currently made up of the 7 local authorities within Cornwall, along with representatives from the Countryside Agency, National Trust, Government Office of the South West, Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, National Farmers Union, Country Land & Business Association, Cornwall Association of Local Councils (formerly CAPTC), Environment Agency and the Cornwall Tourist Board.
The AONB Officer is assisted by a small staff unit which has a strategic focus, with the majority of delivery being undertaken by partners.
In 2004, the unit published an AONB management plan on behalf of its constituent local authorities. To view a copy of the management plan and find out more about the work of the Partnership visit their website www.cornwall-aonb.gov.uk/whatisaonb.html
Statutory policies
The 1997 Replacement Cornwall County Structure Plan (currently under review) makes specific provision for the conservation of the AONB and Heritage Coast. Its policies state that in terms of landscape protection, priority should be given to the conservation and enhancement of the AONB (including considering the impact of proposals near to their boundaries). This includes the cumulative impact of development on the landscape. Policy protection is also given to the undeveloped coast and in particular the Heritage Coast.
Local Plans currently in preparation support the structure plan's protective provision for the AONB.
Other AONB documentation
The Cornwall Landscape Assessment 1994 provides a character based assessment of the landscape of Cornwall, including the AONB. This document has pioneered the incorporation of historic landscape into the conventional landscape assessment (the report is available from Cornwall County Council).
The Countryside Commission published a landscape assessment in 1997 to celebrate the national importance of the AONB in Cornwall (The Cornish Landscape, CCP 520, £25.00).
Action on the ground
The County Council's Environment and Heritage Service along with the North Cornwall District Council Coast and Countryside Service and other District Council Countryside and Rural Development Officers carry out a wide range of initiatives. The National Trust manage a large proportion of the coastal areas and are key to the partnership.
Active conservation organisations
National Trust, English Nature, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group and the Council for the Protection of Rural England.
