Chilterns AONB Boundary Review
The Chilterns AONB boundary exists to clearly mark the areas that need careful consideration for planning, development or land-use change.
However, the current boundary doesn’t cover the entire Chilterns landscape, with some of the Chilterns natural features extending beyond it. For many years the Chilterns Conservation Board has been committed to exploring the potential to extend the boundary and include more of the Chilterns landscape. In June 2021, we welcomed Natural England’s new Designations Programme, which promised to consider extending the Chilterns AONB and improving its management and governance.
As one of many stakeholders assisting Natural England, our role includes hosting information about the Boundary Review on our website and keeping people up-to-date with what is happening. As new details emerge, we will publish them here, so do check back regularly.
Boundary Review Project latest updates - June 2024
Team efforts
The Chilterns staff team has been supporting Natural England in exploring an extension to the Chilterns AONB boundary. At a technical expert workshop in November 2023 to discuss the Consultants’ Natural Beauty assessment, no objections were raised to the areas proposed for inclusion within the boundary. However, attendees requested that other areas not yet assessed be fully considered, particularly those between urban conurbations and the current boundary. These areas have subsequently been included in the finalised Natural Beauty Report. Work is now underway on the next stage, the Desirability to Designate assessment.
The FAQs give more detail on the different stages and what they involve – they can be found here.
Timeline update
Due to the need for additional assessment work, the project timeline has been extended. Natural England now anticipates that the statutory and public consultation will take place in spring 2025. If fully resourced, they aim to seek a variation order from the Secretary of State later in 2025. The next steps include finalising the Desirability Report, followed by the boundary setting stage. We will publish further information around the public consultation dates as soon as this has been confirmed.
Boundary Review: Frequently Asked Questions
For more information about the Boundary Review process, please read Natural England’s Frequently Asked Questions. If you cannot find the information you require in that document, please contact Natural England directly by emailing ChilternsAONBBoundaryReview@NaturalEngland.org.uk
About the Chilterns AONB
‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)’ is a formal designation for an area of land that is of national importance for its natural beauty. Read more about what makes the landscapes of the Chilterns AONB special, and learn about the contribution of AONBs to the national economy and tourism each year.
Read more about the Chilterns AONB
A boundary to benefit people and the landscape
The wider Chilterns area is home to many vibrant and growing communities. An extension to the Chilterns AONB would help to protect high-quality natural environments and historic features close to many of these urban areas for future generations to enjoy. The new designation would also help us and our partners to provide people living in these areas with greater opportunities to access to the countryside, benefit from the tranquillity it provides, and get away from the pressures of everyday life.
It is equally important for Chilterns’ wildlife habitats and cultural heritage. With its globally rare chalk streams, wildflower-rich chalk grassland and prehistoric settlements – including Bronze and Iron Age hillforts – reviewing the boundary of the AONB provides opportunities for a more strategic approach to caring for the special features of the Chilterns’ landscape that are currently outside the protected area.
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