§ Mr. BreedTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if local planning authorities are required to give areas of outstanding natural beauty an equal level of protection to national parks. [112466]
§ Ms Beverley Hughes[holding answer 2 March 2000]: The then Countryside Commission presented its advice to Government on the future care of National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in 1998. This included recommendations on planning policy guidance regarding AONBs. We announced our response on National Parks on 29 September 1999 and we will announce our proposals for a package of measures for AONBs when we have finalised our detailed consideration.