The government’s highly anticipated response to Julian Glover’s Landscapes Review was finally published last week, with an important consultation now underway on several key legislative changes and policy measures.
The government has finally published its response to the Landscapes Review, four years on from the original report headed by journalist Julian Glover.
In May 2018, the government commissioned an independent review into the efficacy of protections for National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). In particular, the review focused on what might work better, what changes could help, and existing definitions and systems were still valid.
The review’s final report was published on 21 September 2019. But the government’s all-important response – i.e. which recommended changes it will implement, and how – was delayed.
The Landscape Institute (LI) has development worked with our members to ensure our national landscapes can endure, improve, and thrive. The ‘Glover review’ provided an overdue opportunity for reform; to protect these landscapes’ original purpose, enhance nature, and maximise public benefit.
The LI are pleased to see many of the recommendations from our initial consultation response remain in the latest iteration. We’ll be working with members to ensure that the implementation matches the original review’s ambition.
This article will highlight some of the key changes in the review and how members can get involved.
Proposed new powers for AONBs
The Glover review highlighted the often unrecognised role that AONBs play in protecting and enhancing landscapes, stating that AONBs ‘are just as important for people and nature’ as National Parks. With greater planning powers, AONBs could better shape development within their regions.
The review found that AONBs often lack the resources to properly engage with the planning system, and have limited heft in influencing planning decisions. Defra has proposed that AONBs become statutory consultees for development management, and feed in to all planning applications that require an Environmental Impact Assessment, as well as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
A new nationwide partnership
The government consultation recommends that designated landscapes should form a national partnership to promote joint working, improve contributions to national nature targets, and lay the foundation for the government’s goal of protecting 30% of the country 2030.
There is no suggestion that there will be a new public body, with the government explaining that a new institution would ‘simply create another organisation within an already complex governance system’.
Designated landscapes could aid in nature recovery
The consultation suggests expanding the statutory purpose of designated landscapes. Under the proposals, a key function of National Park Authorities and AONBs would be to drive nature recovery.
This follows the Glover review’s warning that current legislation does not reflect the urgency and importance of nature recovery, and that many national landscapes are environmentally degraded.
Changes to designated landscape governance
Defra is proposing some key changes to designated landscapes governance. The Glover review was critical of the governance performance of protected landscapes, stating that National Park boards ‘do not do a good job in setting a strategic direction and are deeply unrepresentative of England’s diverse communities’.
In response, Defra proposes ‘a flexible package of statutory and non-statutory measures’ to improve performance and strengthen local partnerships, to ensure that ‘local voices’ inform decisions.
Natural England will take on a bigger role
As the LI recommended, Natural England will take on a more important role in supporting designated landscapes, advising on their proper management and protection. The government also proposes that Natural England should monitor progress on the delivery of a ‘national landscapes strategy’.
Next steps
The LI will continue to examine the proposed changes and will seek to respond after gathering input from members. Delivering of these measures will necessitate a commitment to resourcing and engagement with our sector, driving environmental improvement to bring the UK’s landscapes to life. We look forward to working closely with the government to develop a robust strategy for our designated landscapes, to ensure they truly deliver for people, place, and nature.
If you would like to feed into our response, please contact the policy team at policy@landscapeinstitute.org.
