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Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

The High Weald and The Kent Downs

Aerial View of the the High Weald, Kent. Credit: High Weald AONB Partnership.

There are two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in Kent: the Kent Downs and the High Weald.

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) are nationally important landscapes that are designated for their distinctive character and natural beauty. Within these areas all new development must be of the highest quality and integrate into the existing landscape.

Above: The Kent Downs AONB. Credit: Kent Downs AONB Unit.
Opposite: The High Weald AONB . Credit: High Weald AONB Partnership.

In AONBs design proposals need to be tested against the purpose of the designation, to conserve and enhance natural beauty.  The characteristics that comprise the natural beauty of each AONB are different, and are defined in their Management Plans:

Opposite: The Samphire Hoe Education Centre in the Kent Downs, Dover District. Image Credit: Kent Downs AONB Unit.

Within the AONBs, the starting point for new proposals should be a landscape-led approach where development is led by and reflects the areas’ distinctive characteristics and qualities.  Both AONB Units have produced their own guidance to help designers reflect their character in proposals. See below for further AONB Design Guidance.

Opposite: New houses in Challock in the Kent Downs, Ashford Borough. Image Credit: Kent Downs AONB Unit.