Chilterns AONB Boundary Review Update January 2023

“We know and love the Chilterns through our past work within the AONB. We are looking forward to getting started on the boundary review and assessing areas for extension of this beautiful landscape.”

LUC will be working closely with the Chilterns Conservation Board, Natural England, local authorities and partner organisations through a Management Advisory Group and a Technical Advisory Group.

This first task is the detailed technical assessment following the process outlined Natural England’s guidance which considers factors contributing to natural beauty: landscape quality, scenic quality, relative wildness, relative tranquillity, natural heritage features, and cultural heritage.

We are developing a stakeholder engagement plan for the informal and statutory consultation as part of the designation process. People who love the Chilterns will be given an opportunity to have their say on the proposals with wide consultation on the proposed draft boundary. Statutory Consultation will take place in 2024 with the aim being to submit the Designation Order to the Secretary of State by the end of 2024.

We will keep people updated on progress.

If you have any comments or questions, please send them to chilternsaonbboundaryreview@naturalengland.org.uk.