• Managing the AONB

• Start of "Managing the AONB" navigation
• Management Plan
• Landowners within the AONB
• Malverns Heritage Lottery Project
• Landscape
• Biodiversity
• Historic Environment
• Farming and Forestry
• Tourism, Recreation and Access
• Transport
• Community
• Development
• Sustainable Environment
• Monitoring
• End of "Managing the AONB" navigation

Development

National planning policy states that AONBs, along with National Parks, have the highest standard of protection in relation to landscape and scenic beauty. The conservation of the natural beauty of the landscape and countryside should, therefore, be given great weight in planning policies and development control decisions. National planning policy also makes it clear that major developments should not take place in these designated areas, except in exceptional circumstances.

Local planning authorities in the AONB all hold policies that help to ensure that new development does not impact negatively on the environment. Design guidance also plays a valuable role in helping to maintain and enhance the special built heritage of the AONB. Malvern Hills District Council has produced a draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) on the re-use of rural buildings in the area. The SPD sets out to help ensure that established rural buildings are put to functional uses whilst retaining the valuable contribution which they make to the special landscape of the area. The document achieves this through reference to when buildings may be fit for conversion, what commercial uses might be appropriate and by providing guidance on the conversion of traditional buildings and the treatment of their settings.