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Landscape

Breadcrumbs

Management arrangements in the Mendip Hills

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The AONB has a Partnership committee (previously JAC) comprising of members of the five local authorities, the Countryside Agency, DEFRA, English Nature and voluntary bodies such as the Country Land & Business Association and Mendip Society. Parish representatives are also elected through groups of parishes. There are currently 42 members. The Mendip Hills AONB Partnership terms of reference are: 

  • to take a broad overview of the AONB, its management needs, give guidance on the work of the AONB Service, and monitor implementation of the Management Plan/Action Plan/Business Plan;
  • to ensure the provision and management of resources associated with projects, staff, and accommodation etc;
  • to ensure the needs of the AONB are raised at local, regional and national levels to facilitate discussion and investigation of issues affecting the AONB; 
  • seek to influence planning policy to benefit the AONB and where appropriate make observations on development control matters referred to the Partnership;
  • promote and develop understanding of the importance of the AONB and particular elements that contribute to its special character;
  • engage a wide range of statutory and voluntary bodies, private businesses and the local community in the protection and enhancement of the AONB. 

The Partnership Committee secretariat is provided by Somerset County Council who also host the AONB unit.  A Resources Steering Group made up of  local authority officers and the Countryside Agency provides support to the AONB Unit and Partnership.  The AONB Unit comprises of an AONB Manager, Project Development Officer, Planning Officer (part time), Senior Warden, Warden and Support Officer (part time).

The AONB Wardens co-ordinate and manage a team of volunteer rangers who undertake a wide range of activities including regular patrols, guided walks, assistance to educational visits, Rights of Way Surveys and practical management work.  

In 2004, the AONB Unit published an AONB management plan on behalf of it's Local Authorities.  To find out more about the work of the Unit and view a copy of the management plan, visit their website www.mendiphills.org.uk/

Statutory policies   

A comprehensive local plan was produced specifically for the AONB, namely the Mendip Hills Local Plan (written statement published 1989). This will be superseded as the surrounding District and Unitary authorities prepare district-wide plans. 
 
The current Somerset Structure Plan Alteration No 2 (1993) contains policies covering the protection of AONBs. The aims of these policies are to give priority to the protection and enhancement of AONB landscapes; that development should contribute to the general economic and social well-being of the area and meet the needs of the existing rural community; that the siting, design, scale and landscaping of developments should be strictly controlled; and that any major development will only be allowed if it is in the national interest where no alternative site or route is available.
 
Other policies include measures to ensure that new agricultural buildings are designed and located to respect the landscape conservation interests of the AONB and that forestry, tree planting and access routes pay particular regard to the importance of the landscape.
 
The Planning and Compensation Act (1991) prevents a review of the Mendip Hills Local Plan and, as part of a requirement for district-wide local plans, the constituent districts will be responsible for local plan coverage in their respective AONB areas. 

Other AONB documentation   

A landscape assessment entitled 'The Mendip Hills landscape' (CCP 545, £15.00) was published by the then Countryside Commission in 1998.

Action on the ground     
A number of major award winning initiatives have been developed on the ground including Bracken Down, a soil conditioner produced from bracken on Black Down, and Farm Link, a countryside education project bringing children out on to working farms in the area. A number of easy going trails have been created in the area working closely with disabled access groups.  Design guidelines have been produced for agricultural development and equestrian development draft guidelines will be available by 2004.
Active conservation organisations     
The AONB voluntary rangers make a considerable contribution, as do private companies whose staff come for staff development courses at a local management training centre. Other active organisations in the area are the National Trust, Somerset Wildlife Trust, Avon Wildlife Trust, English Nature and the Mendip Society.

 
 
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