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Landscape

Breadcrumbs

Management arrangements in Nidderdale AONB

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A Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) comprising of representatives from County, District, Borough and Parish Councils; English Nature, the Countryside Agency, Forestry Commission, Environment Agency, Englsih Heritage, CPRE, Country Land & Business Association, Moorland Association, Gamekeepers Association, National Farmers Union,  Ramblers Association, British Horse Society, Yorkshire Water, the National Trust and Nidderdale Chamber of Trade advises local authorities and other agencies about how to best achieve AONB objectives.  Their terms of reference are to:

  • promote awareness and understanding of Nidderdale AONB
  • advise local authorities, and other bodies, on conservation, informal recreation and environmental management in the AONB
  • advise on the preparation, implementation and review of a Management Plan for the AONB
  • consider and offer advice on development plan policies, proposals and reviews in so far as they relate to the AONB 
  • act as a forum for discussion of major issues affecting the character of the AONB and, where appropriate, make recommendations.   

The JAC is supported by the AONB Unit which consists of an AONB Officer, Assistant AONB Officer, AONB Access Officer, 2 part time rangers and a part time administrator.  There is also a temporary AONB Tourism Project Officer.

A new AONB management plan meeting the requirements of the CRoW Act 2000 was published in 2004.  To find out more about the work of the AONB Unit and to view a copy of the management plan visit their website www.nidderdale.co.uk

Statutory policies

North Yorkshire Structure Plan includes protective policies for the AONB.  Policy Environment 1 states "priority will be given to the conservation of the landscapes and general amenity of the following areas: .... the Nidderdale Moors (proposed) AONB ...".  The policy includes a presumption against development except where it can be shown to be necessary and permitted development is to be appropriate to the landscape. 

Other AONB publications 

In 1991, the Countryside Commission published an AONB landscape assessment titled 'The Nidderdale landscape' (CCP330, £6.50). 

Action on the ground

The JAC is taking an active role in co-ordinating countryside management activities.  The work is mostly undertaken by Harrogate Borough Council.  Harrogate is exploring the potential for partnership projects to achieve practical conservation work with various bodies including the Farming and Rural Conservation Agency, Yorkshire Water (who own substantial areas of land within the AONB) and the RSPB.

Active conservation organisations

The Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group, British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, the Yorkshire Otters and Rivers Project and other local groups are actively engaged in conservation work.

 

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