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In the 1940's the Dower and Hobhouse reports to the Government
led to an acceptance that the nation's finest landscapes should be
formally recognised and safeguarded.
The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949
provided the framework for the designation of nationally
important landscapes and resulted in the creation of National Parks
and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
(AONB).
The key difference between National Parks and AONBs is that
recreation did not become a specific purpose of AONBs, but there is
no difference in terms of landscape quality.
The primary purpose of AONBs is to "conserve and enhance
natural beauty".
In pursuing the primary purpose, the
needs of rural industries such as agriculture and forestry, and the
economic and social needs of local communities should be taken into
consideration. Sustainable forms of social and economic
development that in themselves conserve and enhance the environment
should be encouraged.
Although recreation is not a specific
purpose of AONB designation, demand for it should be
met ensuring that it is consistent with the primary
purpose.
41 AONBs have been designated in England and
Wales covering over 20,000 square kilometres of land or 15.6% of
total land area. The landscape of AONBs varies greatly
but the purpose of designation is the same for all
AONBs.
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