Natural England consultation on the plans opens today
Natural England has launched a consultation on proposals to include parts of East Hampshire in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Land including Ludshott and Bramshott Commons, the southern slopes of Whitmoor Vale and a small part of the Slea and Wey valleys could be incorporated into an extension of the Surrey Hills AONB.
If approved it would give those areas special status and protection.
Residents can take part in the consultation from today and will have 12 weeks to make comments.
Natural England ran an earlier public consultation on the proposed extension to the boundary in 2023.
An assessment report of the findings and maps can be seen on the link above.
This consultation will be limited to new additions and deletions to the proposed extension areas only, including the land in East Hampshire, which will be clearly identified within the documents that are produced for the consultation.
Natural England is the public body responsible for conserving and enhancing the natural environment in England. Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty were recently rebranded as National Landscapes.
The consultation documents can be viewed online on the link above. Alternatively you can view the consultation documents at Petersfield Library or at the East Hampshire District Council office by appointment. Please email LocalPlan@easthants.gov.uk or call Sarah Hamilton, Planning Policy Assistant 01730 234339.
You can also attend webinars which will explain the proposed boundary extension of the Surrey Hills AONB. The webinars will be held on 18, 19 and 24 September.