Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were noted as above.

Members are asked to consider any Pecuniary and Non-Pecuniary Interests they may have to disclose to the meeting in relation to matters under consideration on the Agenda.

None disclosed.

To agree the minutes of the meeting held on 2 October 2012.

The minutes of the meeting held on 2 October 2012 were agreed as an accurate record.

(Elliott Lorimer - 30 minutes - including opportunities for questions)

Report attached.

Elliott Lorimer, Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Unit, explained that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the AONB Management Plan that requires renewal every five years.  The current plan runs from 2009 – 2014 so there is a need to review the plan and update as necessary for the period 2014 – 2019.  Once reviewed, the plan will be presented to DEFRA in March 2014.

Elliott explained that the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000 provides the statutory basis for the conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty of AONBs, and:

·  defines the role of the statutory agencies, in particular their responsibilities for the designation of AONBs and as consultees in planning matters;

·  requires local authorities and Conservation Boards to state their policies for management of their AONBs through preparing and publishing a Management Plan; and

·  Requires all relevant authorities to demonstrate their commitment to AONBs by having regard to AONB purposes in their plans and activities.

Specifically, and in relation to Local Authorities Section 89 requires the relevant authority [i.e. the local authority or local authorities jointly], or Conservation Board to “prepare and publish a plan which formulates their policy for the management of the area of outstanding natural beauty and for carrying out their functions in relation to it”, within three years. The plan must be reviewed within five years of its original publication and at similar intervals thereafter.

In implementing the current plan the Partnership agreed four key AONB outcomes as part of a business planning process carried out in 2011:

1.  An outstanding landscape of natural and cultural heritage;

2.  Resilient and sustainable communities;

3.  A strong connection between people and the landscape:

4.  A dynamic and effective AONB Partnership.

The AONB Business Plan identifies strategic priorities under each key outcome and actions link directly to the implementation of the Management Plan.  It therefore seems a logical step to adopt these four key outcomes as the framework for the Management Plan review, particularly as there is a fairly close fit with the National AONB Family objectives outlined above.

Elliott also explained that the current plan outlines six objectives, each with a specific vision of the AONB in 2014.  These themes are set out in Table 1 below, with objectives rationalised to fit under the four key outcomes identified above along with a summary of important changes since 2009:

Table 1

(45 minutes)

Covering 4 strategic priorities for the plan:

1.  An outstanding landscape of natural and cultural heritage

2.  Resilient and sustainable communities

3.  A strong connection between people and the landscape

4.  A dynamic and effective AONB partnership

The Committee split into groups to discuss the four key outcomes identified in the current plan which are:

1.  An outstanding landscape of natural and cultural heritage;

2.  Resilient and sustainable communities;

3.  A strong connection between people and the landscape:

4.  A dynamic and effective AONB Partnership.

Each group spent 10 minutes discussing each outcome and feedback was presented as follows:

An outstanding landscape of natural and cultural heritage

·  Sustainable Land Management.

·  Work with land owners, Land Owners Association and work with farmers.

·  Involve Rights of Way team.

·  Safeguarding the land of farmers and others.

·  Maintain architectural heritage – barns and other buildings.

·  Raise the profile of the AONB in relation to other authorities – better engagement.

Resilient and sustainable communities

·  Can the role of Parish Lengthsmen be extended?

·  Can the funding of Lengthsmen be reviewed / increased?

·  Continue to support drainage schemes.

·  More distinctive about what the AONB is.

·  Provide support for sustainable tourism – try to look at what is distinctive about the AONB.

·  Rural transport / shops / post offices / village halls etc – How can we contribute.

·  Assess the Sustainable Development Fund – what is available?

A strong connection between people and the landscape

·  Access opportunities / communication work / link between heritage and community engagement.

·  Important to maintain access routes to the AONB.

·  Look at the connection between the AONB and nearby Universities such as UCLAN and Lancaster.

·  Take account of the recreation choices of a diverse range of people (walkers, cyclists, ramblers etc).

·  Greater promotion of AONB to tourists / visitors.

·  Emphasis on website rather than print: Greater flexibility.

·  Strong connection between people and landscape.

·  Build stronger links in Craven area.

·  Link with the Health and Wellbeing agenda.

·  "Welcoming to everyone" not just niche groups.

A dynamic and effective AONB Partnership.

·  Office space in Dunsop Bridge costs / space.

·  Improve awareness / connectivity of partners and local groups and the AONB Unit.

·  Raising the public profile of AONB and office – particularly with local authorities.

·  Invite CEO / Council Leaders to relevant meetings to find out about the work of the AONB in each area relevant to the CEO / Council Leaders.

·  Have project visits in the AONB.

·  Ensure the AONB looks outwards and involves other partners.

·  Increase the profile of AONB Partnerships and increase links with funding authorities and funding partners.

An opportunity to view others contributions and discuss any issues with AONB unit staff.

Resolved: The Committee noted the information collated during the workshop.

An item of Urgent Business may only be considered under this heading where, by reason of special circumstances to be recorded in the minutes, the Chairman of the meeting is of the opinion that the item should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency.  Wherever possible, the Chief Executive should be given advance warning of any Members' intention to raise a matter under this heading.

None.

The next scheduled meeting of the Forest of Bowland AONB Joint Advisory Committee will be held on Wednesday 10^th April 2013, venue to be confirmed.

It was noted that the next meeting of the Forest of Bowland AONB Joint Advisory Committee will take place on Wednesday 10^th April 2013, venue to be confirmed.