Issue - meetings

Report of Assistant Director Planning

Purpose of report

To consider and endorse the Cotswolds National Landscape Management Plan 2025 – 2030.

Recommendations

The Executive resolves:

1.1     To endorse the Cotswolds National Landscape Management Plan 2025-2030.

Resolved

(1)            That the Cotswolds National Landscape Management Plan 2025-2030 be endorsed.

The Assistant Director Planning submitted a report to consider and endorse the Cotswolds National Landscape Management Plan 2025 – 2030.

In considering the report, Executive members welcomed the Plan and commented on the need for greater protection of the rural landscape. The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Development Management endorsed a request from Executive members for officers to consider working with officers at the Cotswold National Landscape to discuss ideas around potentially extending the protected landscape extending the national landscape around the north and eastern parts of the district.

Resolved

(1)            That the Cotswolds National Landscape Management Plan 2025-2030 be endorsed.

Reasons

The Cotswolds National Landscape Management Plan 2025-2030 is a key mechanism for achieving the purposes of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the CNL and increasing the understanding and enjoyment of the CNL’s special qualities. It is a legal requirement for a National Landscape to have a management plan under Section 89 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 and Conservation Boards are required to review their Management Plan before the end of a period of no more than five years. Officers consider that it will assist in conserving and enhancing that small part of the National Landscape within the district and recommend its endorsement.

Alternative options

Option 1: Not to endorse the Management Plan. This is not recommended as the Management Plan will assist in meeting the statutory purpose of the National Landscape; it has been prepared with the benefit of the Council’s representation; and it will be helpful guidance to the Council.