Natural England - the public body responsible for conserving and enhancing the natural environment in the country - undertook a public consultation earlier this year on proposals to expand the boundaries of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
When an area receives AONB designation, this grants a special status for protecting and conserving the landscape and nature, under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act, 2000. Within the Surrey Heath Parliamentary constituency, this would see parts of Ash and Normandy Parish become part of, or adjacent to, the Surrey Hills.
The current boundary for the Surrey Hills has not been reviewed since its original designation back in 1958, despite repeated calls by local councillors, Members of Parliament and campaigners to reconsider the boundary. Whilst some areas next to the AONB boundary are designated as Areas of Great Landscape Value (AGLV) by local authorities, this does not provide the same level of protection for conservation purposes.
The latest update from Natural England stated that the Consultation Analysis Report will be published early next year:
“The consultation on the proposed extension to the Surrey Hills AONB has now closed. We’ve had approximately 1500 responses, and we’d like to thank everyone who submitted a response. This level of engagement is really positive, and will inform the next steps of the project. These responses are now being analysed, and will help inform the designation process, including any changes to the area of the proposed boundary extension. Once complete, Natural England will publish its response to the consultation in Consultation Analysis Report, likely in early 2024.
"As a result of consultation, any new area to be added to the proposed extension would require further consultation. The finalised proposals would then be subject to a formal Notice Period prior to submission to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for their confirmation."
Michael Gove MP, alongside fellow Surrey MPs Jeremy Hunt and Claire Coutinho, today met with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to discuss the proposals for the Surrey Hills and the Prime Ministers recent announcement to create a new National Park.
Commenting, Jeremy Hunt MP said:
"Following all the green spaces campaigning I have been doing locally, It is great news that Rishi Sunak has announced a search for a new National Park. Although I cannot influence the decision (as an interested party) I am happy to prioritise funding for the search as Chancellor.
"The Surrey Hills are important to me personally as somewhere stunningly beautiful I have been enjoying my whole life. Last year I persuaded Natural England to hold a consultation on whether to extend the boundaries of our AONB (newly renamed as a National Landscape) protected areas in the Surrey Hills which I hope happens - the responses to that are currently being reviewed. And as local MP I will continue my campaign to make the Surrey Hills a National Park."
Pictured, Michael Gove MP with Jeremy Hunt MP - South West Surrey, Claire Coutinho MP - East Surrey, and Steve Barclay MP - Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
