Within Section 85 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000) there is a duty on all relevant authorities to have regard to this purpose in exercising or performing any functions in relation to, or so as to affect land in, National Landscapes. Sections 88 & 89 of the Act state that each local authority and Conservation Board shall prepare and publish a Management Plan for their National Landscape, which should then be reviewed at intervals of no more than 5 years. Management Plans are adopted statutory policy of the local authority.
The Government has confirmed that the landscape qualities of National Landscapes and National Parks are equivalent, so the protection given by the land use planning system to natural beauty in both types of area should also be equivalent. The National Landscape designation is also of international importance, recognised as a Category V Protected Landscape by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
A local planning authority has a duty to have regard to the conservation and enhancement of natural beauty. This is achieved through partnership with National Landscapes and by reference to their Management Plans as a material consideration.
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) also provides specific planning guidance for development planning and decision-making in relation to National Landscapes. It confirms that great weight should be given to conserving landscape and scenic beauty, and that National Landscapes have the highest status of protection in relation to landscape and scenic beauty.
