Much of the Suffolk Coastal district is nationally recognised
for its high landscape quality and was designated in 1969 by the
Countryside Commission, now
Natural England (new window), as the Suffolk
Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
(AONB).
The Council is required to exercise special care in protecting
and enhancing the character of the AONB. Policies in the
Suffolk County Structure Plan (new window)
and in the
Suffolk Coastal Local Plan reflect this.
The Council works with a number of partners to manage the AONB. The
Suffolk Coast and Heaths Unit (new
window) helps co-ordinate this work.
The Suffolk River Valleys, which extend inland from the AONB,
are also of considerable landscape importance. Policies in the
adopted Suffolk Coastal Local Plan have defined the most
sensitive areas as Special Landscape Areas. Policies seek to ensure
that development does not detract from the character of these
valleys.
The Suffolk River Valleys are mostly designated
Environmentally Sensitive Areas (new window)
for which traditional management is supported by grants
available from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural
Affairs (Defra).
The landscape quality of areas not subject to special
designations is also important. Local Plan policies reflect this;
specialist guidance and advice is given to ensure the landscape is
treated sensitively.
For more information contact the Landscape Officer on
01394 444420 or email
community&economic@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk