Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

HC Deb 19 July 1994 vol 247 c104W

Mr. Allason

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if there is a presumption against development in areas of outstanding natural beauty.

Mr. Curry

In general, development control decisions affecting areas of outstanding natural beauty should favour conservation of the natural beauty of the landscape. In all cases, the environmental effects of new proposals will be a major consideration, although regard should be paid to the economic and social well-being of the areas.

It would normally be inconsistent with the aims of designation to permit the siting of major industrial or commercial development in these areas. Only proven national interest and lack of alternative sites can justify an exception.