Natural England consulting over revised proposals for Surrey Hills
Natural England has launched a statutory and public consultation for the revised proposals for extensions to the Surrey Hills National Landscape.
The consultation, launched today, will remain open for 12 weeks and the proposal to extend the national landscape is part of an ambitious programme of landscape designation.
It is one of four new designation projects to help deliver on the government’s commitment to safeguard more of England’s beautiful and iconic landscapes for future generations.
It is the second such consultation, following on from one last year and as such is focused on the revised proposals, which include: 27 additional areas and 13 minor deletions of previous proposed boundary extensions as a result of boundary reviews and three additional areas within East Hampshire as a result of an additional assessment.
If the proposed areas are added to the Surrey Hills it is argued that this could bring many benefits including conserving and enhancing the natural and cultural heritage, as well as the views and beauty of the area.
“This consultation marks an important step forward in Natural England’s ambitious landscape designation programme,” says Allison Potts, Natural England deputy director for the Thames Solent area.
“A huge thank you to the local community, who provided us with more than 1,500 responses in last year’s consultation. We have listened to their feedback and evidence and have the opportunity to review additional land for the national landscape.
“In line with our statutory duty, we invite anyone interested in this iconic landscape to take the time to examine the proposals and have their say on the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ consultation hub.”
The Surrey Hills is an iconic and beautiful landscape encompassing rare habitats from acid and chalk grassland to extensive ancient woodland and is enjoyed by millions of residents and visitors.
There will be two in-person consultation events, for which details will be released later via Defra’s website, where you can also read the reports.