Issue - meetings

Endorsement of the Cotswolds National Landscape Management Plan 2025-2030

Purpose

The purpose of the report is to seek the Council’s endorsement of the Cotswolds National Landscape (Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty - AONB) Management Plan 2025 – 2030.

Recommendation(s)

That Cabinet resolves to endorse the Cotswolds National Landscape Management Plan 2025–2030 for use as:

part of the evidence base for the review of the Local Plan;
part of the evidence base for the preparation of Neighbourhood Development Plans;
part of the evidence base for the preparation and implementation of relevant Council strategies, policies and projects;
as a material consideration in the determination of planning applications (where compatible with relevant Local Plan and national policy); and
to inform the development and delivery of the Council’s services and activities.

Additional documents:

Decision:

The purpose of the report was to seek Cabinet’s endorsement of the Cotswolds National Landscape (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - AONB) Management Plan 2025 – 2030 and seek endorsement of its use as part of the evidence base for the preparation and implementation of relevant Council strategies, policies and projects including but not limited to the Local Plan and Neighbourhood Plans.

Councillor Juliet Layton and Councillor Paul Hodgkinson declared an interest as they serve on the board of the CNL. Both Councillors left the Chamber for the debate.

The report was proposed by Councillor Joe Harris and seconded by Councillor Claire Bloomer.

Cabinet RESOLVED to endorse the recommendation of the report that the Cotswolds National Landscape Management Plan 2023-2025 be used as

· part of the evidence base for the review of the Local Plan;

· part of the evidence base for the preparation of Neighbourhood Development Plans;

· part of the evidence base for the preparation and implementation of relevant Council strategies, policies and projects;

· as a material consideration in the determination of planning applications (where compatible with relevant Local Plan and national policy); and

· to inform the development and delivery of the Council’s services and activities.

Voting Record

4 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain.

Minutes:

Councillor Layton introduced the Cotswold National Landscape Board five-year management plan.

The policies within the plan were described as ambitious and comprehensive, addressing key issues such as climate change, farming mitigation, landscape management, carbon sequestration, and hedgerow management. These themes aligned closely with recent agenda items and Council priorities.

Although the plan did not fully align with every local plan policy it was noted that Council policies would take precedence where necessary. However, few conflicts were anticipated.

The plan also supported nature recovery across the Cotswolds and promoted improved public access to enhance physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. It aimed to preserve and enhance the natural beauty and special qualities of the Cotswold National Landscape and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs).

Monitoring and reporting arrangements were outlined in the annexes.

Councillor Juliet Layton and Councillor Paul Hodgkinson having declared an interest as they serve on the board of the CNL, left the Chamber for the debate and the vote.

The recommendation was proposed by Councillor Joe Harris and seconded by Councillor Claire Bloomer.

Cabinet RESOLVED to endorse the recommendation of the report that the Cotswolds National Landscape Management Plan 2025-2030 be used as