Agenda item

To submit a report by the Head of Regulation and Economic Development.

The report of the Head of Regulation and Economic Development incorporating the draft Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan (2023-2028) was presented for the Executive’s consideration.

Councillor Neville Evans, Portfolio Member for Leisure, Tourism and Maritime presented the report saying that all local authorities which administer AONBs are statutorily required to prepare and publish management plans for their area and to review these plans every five years with the process following set guidelines. The plan outlines the special qualities of the AONB which define its designation status and acknowledges the challenges which it faces particularly from over tourism and its impact on community resilience, declining biodiversity, and climate change. The Plan identifies five key themes which address these challenges and which will also enable the Council’s vision for the AONB to be realised; section 3 of the Plan describes how this vision along with the 5 key themes will be delivered. The AONB has a growing status within Welsh Designated Landscapes and it draws in considerable revenue for the Council. The AONB Management Plan is also linked to the Destination Management Plan which is the subject of a separate item on today’s agenda. The Plan will be subject to consultation with stakeholders and the public for a period of six weeks after which it will be presented to Scrutiny.

The Head of Regulation and Economic Development said that whilst the new Plan has been delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic the additional time has allowed the Service to ensure that the contents and priorities are appropriate and reflect current themes and challenges. It is considered that there is a need to improve understanding of the AONB both internally within the Council and externally among the public in terms of its purpose and scope as well as he aims of the Plan in seeking to manage the designation. There is also a need to maximise the funding opportunities that are linked to the AONB designation in order to fulfil the priorities of the Service and the Council.

Councillor Gary Pritchard, Portfolio Member for Children, Youth and Housing Services speaking as one whose electoral ward was to a considerable extent contained within the AONB highlighted the importance of public and stakeholder feedback to the proposed consultation on the Plan and of engaging with as wide an audience as possible. The AONB is one of the main reasons why visitors come to the Island, and as one if its principal attractions it has to be protected from the pressures of increasing visitor numbers, ensuring that tourism on the Island remains vibrant, but sustainable.

The Chair agreed that it was important that the public respond to the consultation and she encouraged everyone to do so to inform future actions; also important is increasing awareness of the AONB and of the challenges involved in its management and protection ensuring that while it is accessible for the enjoyment of all, its character and special qualities are retained and conserved.

It was resolved to approve and support the draft Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan (2023-28) for public consultation.