Environmental Report - Wye Valley...

Wye Valley

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

Management Plan

2015-2020

Environmental Report incorporating the

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

Screening Report

and consultation responses

December 2015

of 37 WVAONB MP SEA Env Rpt 2015

Contents

1. Introduction ................................................................................................................ 3

2. AONB Management Plans and Guidance on SEA ......................................................... 3

3. The Wye Valley AONB Management Plan 2015 - 2020 ................................................. 4

4. Screening....................................................................................................................... 7

Figure 1: Deciding whether the SEA Directive is applicable to the AONB Management

Plan ........................................................................................................................................ 8

Table 1: Establishing the need for SEA ................................................................................. 9

5. Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 11

6. Consultation ................................................................................................................. 11

Further Information ............................................................................................................. 12

Appendix 1: Comparison of AONB Management Plan Objectives ....................................... 13

Appendix 2: Judging Significance in Relation to the SEA Directive ..................................... 32

Table 2: Table showing criteria of significance listed in Annex II of the SEA Directive

alongside an assessment of their applicability to the AONB Management Plan 2015 to

2020...................................................................................................................................... 32

Appendix 3: Comments on SEA Screening Report from Consultees ................................... 36


1. Introduction 1.1 Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is a process which looks at the

effects that a plan or programme is likely to have on the environment before it is adopted. Where an SEA is required, a plan-maker must complete an assessment and present the findings of the assessment in an environmental report that is then consulted upon. Any issues raised during the consultation must be taken into account by the plan-maker before the plan can be adopted. SEA is designed to be integrated into the development stages of a plan or programme and to influence decision-making throughout.

1.2 This report has been produced to determine whether it is necessary to undertake a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Management Plan 2015-2020. This is to ensure compliance with European Directive 2001/42/EC on ‘the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment’ (‘The SEA Directive’) and ‘The Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations, 2004 (Statutory Instrument 2004 No. 1633), which implements the Directive in England and Wales and for relevant non devolved plans and programmes in the UK as a whole.

2. AONB Management Plans and Guidance on SEA 2.1 Part IV, Section 89 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 sets out

the requirement for Conservation Boards or relevant Local Authorities to publish and review a management plan for their AONB that: “formulates their policy for the management of the area of outstanding natural beauty and for the carrying out of their functions in relation to it”. These management plans must be reviewed ‘at intervals of not more than 5 years’.

2.2 The previous AONB Management Plan (2009-2014) had been subject to

Strategic Environmental Assessment. However, as the Plan has been subject to review rather than a more fundamental rewrite, there is some uncertainty over whether SEA would be required for this plan.

2.3 In 2012, Natural England, the National Association of AONBs and the

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) published an ‘Advice Note to AONB Partnerships, the Conservation Boards and Relevant Authorities on Management Plan Reviews’, which gave some early guidance on considering the need for SEA:

“The requirements of the SEA and Habitats Directives, and the need for

compliance with them, apply to new management plans, and to revisions or re-issues of existing management plans.

AONBs and National Park Authorities (protected landscape managing bodies)

should screen their revised or amended Management Plan to evaluate whether the individual or cumulative effect of the changes which they are


proposing is likely to have a significant effect, as defined under the Strategic Environmental Assessment or Habitats Regulations. They may wish to seek informal guidance from Natural England (and Environment Agency, English Heritage for SEA) at this screening stage”.

That same guidance goes on to state that: “Given that all the extant AONB Management Plans have been assessed

under the regulations, the AONB Partnership / Conservation Board (protected landscape managing body) may decide that the proposed changes to the extant plan are not likely to have a significant effect, and may conclude that there is no requirement to carry out further assessment. The AONB Partnership / Conservation Board should record the screening decision and supporting reasons for it”.

2.4 This Screening Report has been written to enable a judgement to be made on

whether an SEA should be undertaken. In line with the ‘tripartate’ guidance outlined above, it discusses whether the Wye Valley AONB Management Plan 2015 to 2020 is likely to exhibit significant environmental effects, and documents supporting reasons for the report’s conclusions. A further screening report, to establish whether appropriate assessment under the Habitats Regulations is necessary, is also published alongside this report.

3. The Wye Valley AONB Management Plan 2015 - 2020 The draft Wye Valley AONB Management Plan sets out a Vision for a living

landscape as well as a series of Strategic Objectives that relate to topics of relevance to the AONB. The Vision states:

The Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) will be a

landscape

that continues to evoke inspiration in a wide range of people

where some degree of change is accepted and its impacts accommodated through positive management including effective adaptation to and mitigation of climate change

where the distinctive mix of steep valley sides and rolling hills, covered with ancient and semi-natural woodland, mixed farmland, and scattered settlement dominate the landscape along with the meandering river

where the natural and historic assets are in good order, well-understood and accessible where appropriate, in fully compatible uses and adapted and changed in ways which respect and enhance their significance

with a robust mosaic of inter-connected semi natural habitats for native wildlife, particularly around grassland, wetland and woodland

providing functioning services and resources for society, including flood storage, food, timber, tourism and minerals

which provides work for local people, who make good use of the varied resources the area has to offer


where both visitors and residents are able to enjoy the area, particularly for sustainable tourism, recreation and informed appreciation of the historic and natural environment, with minimal conflict or disturbance from other users

where association with the Wye Valley continues to benefit the surrounding villages, market towns and counties

supported by the good will, pride and endeavour of local people, visitors, and the public, private and voluntary sectors

worthy of its designation as an internationally important protected landscape.

The Management Plan outlines Strategic Objectives that relate to the

following topic areas: Our Unique Landscape – conserved & enhanced

Landscape Biodiversity Geodiversity Historic Environment Farming Woodland, Trees and Forestry Development & Transport – planning and protection Development Minerals Utilities, Public Services and Renewable Energy Transportation Vital Communities - living & working in the AONB Community Development Economy and Rural Regeneration Enjoying the AONB - sustainable tourism, recreation and appreciation Sustainable Tourism Recreation & Access Understanding and Appreciation Achieving together – effective management of the AONB Partnership, Management and Governance A Charter for Residents and Visitors

The vision is essentially the same vision as was presented in the 2009-14

Management Plan, with only minor modifications, these being:

-While the 2009 Management Plan vision included the sentence: “• where the natural and historic assets are in good order, in fully compatible uses, and not denigrated by unsuitable change”, the new vision seeks to add further detail by rephrasing this to: “• where the natural and historic assets are in good order, well-understood and accessible where appropriate, in fully compatible uses and adapted and changed in ways which respect and enhance their significance”.


Similarly the topic areas are a continuation of topic areas in the 2009-14 Management Plan. Appendix 1 shows how the Strategic Objectives that underlie the topics have changed between the current draft of the AONB Management Plan and the 2009-14 Management Plan. Generally the divergence between old and new Strategic Objectives is considered to be low.

The Management Plan also defines a series of ‘Special Qualities’ for the

AONB. There are 27 identified, as follows:-

1. Overall Landscape - of 16 Landscape Management Zones with key features and links to the other Special Qualities Biodiversity 2. Woodlands 3. The river & tributaries 4. Species-rich grassland, including small field pattern of un/semi-

improved grassland, often bounded by drystone walls or old hedges

5. Boundary habitat diversity & connectivity, e.g. between grassland & woodland, farmland & heathland, tidal river & ASNW, hedges &/or drystone walls, lanes, banks, verges and fields & woods

Geological 6. Silurian Rocks 7. Devonian - Lower Old Red Sandstone 8. Quartz Conglomerate in Upper Old Red Sandstone including 9. Carboniferous Limestone 10. Riverine geomorphology Visual and Sensory 11. Picturesque, extensive & dramatic views. 12. Overall sense of tranquillity, sense of remoteness and naturalness /

wildness Historic Environment 13. Prehistoric sites from Palaeolithic to Iron Age 14. Roman and early Medieval sites including Offa’s Dyke 15. Mediaeval Defensive and Ecclesiastical sites and associated

landscapes 16. Post-medieval industrial sites and associated landscapes 17. Railway heritage 18. Ancient trees 19. Historic parks and gardens 20. Vernacular architecture: Farmsteads, Commoners cottages, Estate

houses Language 21. Welsh language & accent; Forest of Dean & South Herefordshire

dialects & accents Access and Recreation 22. Old tracks: often in sunken ways &/or bounded by drystone walls 23. Offa’s Dyke Path 24. Wye Valley Walk 25. Access land


26. Small commons; largest are Coppet Hill, Broadmoor, Staunton Meend, Whitelye, The Hudnalls

Other 27. Orchards

The significant changes from the 2009-14 Management Plan were the

exclusion of Special Qualities on ‘Air quality’, ‘Water quality and quantity’ and ‘Soil quality’, and the inclusion of ‘Orchards’ as a new Special Quality [SQ]. SQ 4 was also modified from “Small field pattern of un/semi-improved grassland, often bounded by drystone walls or old hedges” to emphasise the importance of Species-rich grassland over the ‘small field pattern’.

4. Screening 4.1 The SEA Directive and accompanying national regulations describe the types

of plans for which the undertaking of SEA is mandatory. There are also a number of other plans where a decision must be taken on whether SEA should be undertaken.

4.2 The Government has set out in a series of steps a means to determine which

plans and programmes require SEA1, as required by the SEA Directive. Figure 1 below describes the steps that should be taken to determine the need for SEA. The path taken by the AONB Management Plan is indicated by a series of red arrows.

4.3 Figure 1 shows a considered view of the status of the AONB Management

Plan 2015 - 2020 in relation to the requirements of the SEA Directive. Further explanation of the reasons for selecting the Management Plan’s pathway through the flow chart is shown in Table 1 below.

1 ODPM, 2006. A Practical Guide to the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive, ODPM, London


Figure 1: Deciding whether the SEA Directive is applicable to the AONB Management Plan

Anticipated status of the AONB Management Plan 2015 - 2020 (Adapted from ODPM, 2006)

2. Is the PP required by legislative, regulatory or administrative provisions? (Art. 2(a))

5. Does the PP determine the use of small areas at local level, OR is it a minor modification of a PP subject to Art 3.2? (Art 3.3)

7. Is the PP’s sole purpose to serve national defence or civil emergency, or is it a financial or budget PP, OR is it co-financed by structural funds or EAGGF programmes 2000 to 2006/7 (Art 3.8, 3.9)?

DIRECTIVE REQUIRES SEA

4. Will the PP, in view of its likely effect on sites, require an assessment under Article 6 or 7 of the Habitats Directive? (Art 3.2 (b))

6. Does the PP set the framework for future development consent of projects (not just projects in Annexes to the EIA Directive) (Art 3.4)

8. Is it likely to have a significant effect on the environment? (Art 3.5)

DIRECTIVE DOES NOT

REQUIRE SEA

Yes to either criterion

Yes

No to both criteria

No

Yes to both criteria

No to both criteria

No

No to either

Yes No

Yes

Yes to either

Yes

Yes to any criterion No to both criteria

No

3. Is the PP prepared for agriculture, forestry, fisheries, energy, industry, transport, waste management, water management, telecommunications, tourism, town and country planning or land use AND does it set a framework for future development consents of projects in Annexes I and II to the EIA Directive? (Art. 3.2 (a))

1. Is the PP subject to preparation and / or adoption by a national, regional or local authority OR prepared by an authority for adoption through a legislative procedure by Parliament or Government? (Art. 2 (a))


Table 1: Establishing the need for SEA

Stage Answer Reason

1. Is the PP subject to preparation and / or adoption by a national, regional or local authority OR prepared by an authority for adoption through a legislative procedure by Parliament or Government? (Art. 2 (a))

Yes The AONB Management Plan will be prepared and adopted by Forest of Dean District Council, Gloucestershire County Council, Herefordshire Council and Monmouthshire County Council

2. Is the PP required by legislative, regulatory or administrative provisions? (Art. 2(a))

Yes The AONB Management Plan is being prepared under section 89 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act, 2000

3. Is the PP prepared for agriculture, forestry, fisheries, energy, industry, transport, waste management, water management, telecommunications, tourism, town and country planning or land use AND does it set a framework for future development consents of projects in Annexes I and II to the EIA Directive? (Art. 3.2 (a))

No Although the AONB Management Plan covers several of these topics, it is unlikely that any work proposed, framed or required by the Management Plan would fall into Annexes I and II of the EIA Directive.

4. Will the PP, in view of its likely effect on sites, require an assessment under Article 6 or 7 of the Habitats Directive? (Art 3.2 (b))

?No A Habitats Regulations Assessment Screening Report has been completed. This report concluded that there are unlikely to be significant negative effects on the network of European Sites in and around the AONB. 2

5. Does the PP determine the use of small areas at local level, OR is it a minor modification of a PP subject to Art 3.2? (Art 3.3)

Not applicable

This question need only be answered if questions 3 or 4 are answered in the affirmative.

6. Does the PP set the framework for future development consent of projects (not just projects in Annexes to the EIA Directive) (Art 3.4)3

? A narrower interpretation of ‘framework for development consents’ would exclude the AONB Management Plan as it does not direct projects that

2 The Habitats Regulations Assessment Screening report is being consulted on in parallel with this SEA

screening report. Should the consultation result in changes to the conclusions presented, this SEA screening

report will be updated in line with those changes. 3 The Directive is not clear on what constitutes a framework for development consents, but a broad

interpretation has been taken in this assessment, informed partly by wider experience of SEA as described in the

Resource Manual to Support Application of the UNECE Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment


would generally fall within the planning system. However, public bodies have a duty to consider the natural beauty of AONBs in their decisions, including in planning decisions4. Taking a broader interpretation of ‘framework’ (see footnote 3), the Management Plan may affect the outcome of future development consents, though only in as much as they affect the Special Qualities of the AONB.

7. Is the PP’s sole purpose to serve national defence or civil emergency, or is it a financial or budget PP, OR is it co-financed by structural funds or EAGGF programmes 2000 to 2006/7 (Art 3.8, 3.9)?

Not applicable

This question need only be answered if the answer to question 6 is ‘no’. Or the answer to question 8 is ‘yes’.

8. Is it likely to have a significant effect on the environment? (Art 3.5) (See appendix for criteria and characteristics determining significance)

No The relatively small scale improvements to the AONB resulting from the strategic direction given by the AONB Management Plan are unlikely to have significant negative effects on the environment. In addition, the Strategic Objectives and actions in general seek to maintain and enhance the Special Qualities of the AONB, which will have a moderating impact on development and other actions that may seek to modify the environmental character of the AONB. Criteria for significance are presented in Annex II of the SEA

(United Nations draft document, 2006). This describes such frameworks as documents that place limits on types

of activity from an area, contain conditions to be met by applicants if permission is to be granted, or that are

designed to preserve certain characteristics of an area. (See:

http://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/env/eia/sea_manual/documents/SEA%20Manual%20-

%20Chapter%20A3%20-%20slides.pdf ) 4 Part IV, Section 85 (1) of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 establishes a general duty on public

bodies: “In exercising or performing any functions in relation to, or so as to affect, land in an area of outstanding

natural beauty, a relevant authority shall have regard to the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural

beauty of the area of outstanding natural beauty”. Public bodies are listed as relevant authorities.

http://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/env/eia/sea_manual/documents/SEA%20Manual%20-%20Chapter%20A3%20-%20slides.pdf

http://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/env/eia/sea_manual/documents/SEA%20Manual%20-%20Chapter%20A3%20-%20slides.pdf


Directive, in which a range of characteristics of plans are listed as influencing judgements on significance, as well as a range of characteristics of the area likely to be effected by the plan. Appendix 2 at the end of this report shows the SEA Directive’s significance criteria alongside the likely effects of the plan.

5. Conclusion 5.1 The conclusion of this screening report is that a Strategic Environmental

Assessment will not be required for the Wye Valley AONB Management Plan. This is because the plan is unlikely to display significant environmental effects.

5.3 Further work has been undertaken via a Habitats Regulations Assessment screening report to clarify uncertainty over whether the AONB Management Plan would require assessment under Article 6 or 7 of the Habitats Directive. This HRA, while concluding that significant effects on European Sites are unlikely, is subject to consultation5 and so its conclusions may change in light of consultation responses. Should Appropriate Assessment6 under the Habitats Regulations be considered necessary, the Management Plan would be required to be subject to SEA, and the conclusion of this report would need to be revised.

6. Consultation 6.1 The Statutory Consultation Bodies for the purposes of SEA screening are, in

England: Natural England, the Environment Agency and Historic England and in Wales: Cadw and Natural Resources Wales and the Welsh Government, as the Wye Valley AONB Management Plan operates partially in Wales. These bodies will be consulted for their views on the conclusions of this screening assessment. In addition, this report will be placed on the AONB website alongside the Post Consultation Draft Management Plan, which will be circulated to a list of stakeholders. The consultation on the screening report will take place from Tuesday 21st July to Tuesday 1st September 2015.

6.2 Following consultation an SEA screening statement will be published to show

the conclusions of the screening exercise.

5 Section 61(3 and 4) of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations, 2010 state that “(3) The

competent authority must for the purposes of the assessment consult the appropriate nature conservation body

and have regard to any representations made by that body within such reasonable time as the authority

specify”, and “(4) They must also, if they consider it appropriate, take the opinion of the general public, and if

they do so, they must take such steps for that purpose as they consider appropriate” 6 Appropriate Assessment is the detailed stage of Habitats Regulations Assessment that is required when

significant effects on Natura 2000 sites are likely.


Further Information

Further information on this screening statement can be obtained from:

Andrew Blake Wye Valley AONB Officer Hadnock Road Monmouth, NP25 3NG tel: 01600 713 977 e-mail: [email protected]


Appendix 1: Comparison of AONB Management Plan Objectives

2015-2020 Management Plan Draft Strategic Objective

Is there a similar 2009-2014 Management Plan objective

Divergence Notes on likely significance of divergence to the environment

WV-L1 Promote and develop policies and initiatives to conserve, enhance, restore or create the features and elements that maintain the Special Qualities, landscape character and natural beauty of the AONB. Ensure their sustainable management and mitigate, reduce or remove detrimental features

WV-L1 Promote and develop policies and initiatives to protect, conserve, restore or enhance the features and elements that create the special qualities, landscape character and natural beauty of the AONB. Ensure their sustainable management and mitigate, reduce or remove detrimental features

Low Not significant

WV-L2 Encourage and enhance appropriate landscape scale and green infrastructure action by all particularly on consolidating ecosystem services and positively contributing to habitat connectivity that allows wildlife to adapt to the effects of climate change

WV-L2 Encourage and enhance appropriate landscape scale action by all particularly on linking of habitats and positively contributing to habitat connectivity that allows wildlife to adapt to the effects of climate change

Low to moderate Objectives are similar – but green infrastructure and ecosystems approach are now reflected.

Moderate but beneficial significance. Greater emphasis on ecosystem services and green infrastructure can be seen as strengthening protection to the AONB’s environment making it more resilient to significant environmental effects.

WV-L3 Promote and encourage the use of the Landscape Character Assessments and Historic Landscape Characterisation to inform local distinctiveness in development plans, strategies, guidance and landscaping schemes

WV-L3 Promote and encourage the use of the Landscape Character Assessments and Historic Landscape Characterisation to inform local distinctiveness in development plans, strategies, guidance and landscaping schemes

None Not significant

WV-L4 Ensure the establishment and collection of sufficiently comprehensive baseline data to monitor landscape condition and direction of change

WV-L4 Ensure the establishment and collection of sufficiently comprehensive baseline data to monitor landscape condition and direction of change






WV-L5 Support measures which increase public awareness and appreciation of the natural beauty and importance of the Wye Valley AONB

WV-L5 Support measures which increase public awareness and appreciation of the natural beauty and importance of the Wye Valley AONB


WV-B1 Contribute to the delivery of national, regional and local Biodiversity targets and priorities for key habitats and species relevant to the AONB, in partnership with relevant organisations

WV-B1 Contribute to the delivery of national, regional and local Biodiversity Action Plan targets and priorities for key habitats and species relevant to the AONB, in partnership with relevant organisations

Low Not significant

WV-B2 Encourage and support measures that contribute to the management of all statutory designated sites and County local/key wildlife sites so that they are in favourable condition and within robust ecological networks

WV-B2 Encourage and support measures that contribute to the management of all statutory designated sites and County local wildlife sites so that they are in favourable condition

Low

Not significant

WV-B3 Promote the adoption of schemes and initiatives that sustain, enhance and/or restore the characteristic biodiversity of the AONB, and that enable ecological systems and natural processes to accommodate and adapt to climate and other environmental change, including through landscape scale habitat connectivity

WV-B3 Promote the adoption of schemes and initiatives that sustain, enhance and/or restore the characteristic biodiversity of the AONB, including through landscape scale habitat connectivity

Moderate – although adaption to climate change (brought from WV-B7 below) should enhance robustness

Not significant.

WV-B4 Identify species and diseases considered to be detrimental to the biodiversity value of the AONB and encourage their monitoring, management and, where appropriate, their control

WV-B4 Identify species and diseases considered to be detrimental to the biodiversity value of the AONB and encourage their monitoring, management and, where appropriate, their control






WV-B5 Support the identification and monitoring of key indicator species and priority species and habitats, in partnership with conservation organisations, relevant individuals and the Local Biological Record Centres

WV-B5 Support the identification and monitoring of key indicator species and BAP priority species and habitats, in partnership with conservation organisations, relevant individuals and the Local Biological Record Centres

Low Not significant

WV-B6 Promote awareness, sources of advice and involvement in biodiversity conservation by landowners, land managers, businesses, local communities, schools and the public including of impacts from outside the AONB

WV-B6 Promote awareness, sources of advice and involvement in biodiversity conservation by landowners, land managers, businesses, local communities, schools and the public including of impacts from outside AONB


WV-B7 Encourage research and measures that enable biodiversity, ecological systems and natural processes to accommodate and adapt to climate and other environmental change, including through landscape scale habitat connectivity.

Moderate divergence as covered in 2015 by WV-B3

Not significant.

WV-G1 Support the identification and monitoring of significant geodiversity conservation features (SSSIs & LGS/RIGS), in partnership with geoconservation organisations and the local Record Centres.

WV-G1 Support the identification and monitoring of significant geodiversity conservation features (SSSIs & RIGS), in partnership with geoconservation organisations and the local Record Centres.

Low Not significant

WV-G2 Contribute to the conservation and enhancement of the geodiversity resource in line with Geodiversity Action Plans (GAPs)

WV-G2 Contribute to the emerging Geodiversity Action Plans (GAPs) and conserve the geodiversity resource in line with GAPs

Low – although slight difference in wording as Geodiversity Action Plans are now established.

Not significant





WV-G3 Monitor climate change and its effects on the geodiversity resource of the AONB

Low to Moderate – the monitoring of effects directly attributable to climate change was not a viable achievement

Not significant

WV-G3 Encourage and support measures that create and/or maintain the accessibility and conservation interest of sites of geological importance

WV-G4 Encourage and support measures that create and/or maintain the accessibility and conservation interest of sites of geological importance


WV-G4 Promote increased understanding and opportunities to appreciate the significance of the geodiversity of the AONB and the need for its protection and management

WV-G5 Promote increased understanding and opportunities to appreciate the significance of the geodiversity of the AONB and the need for its protection and management.


WV-H1 Initiate and encourage schemes, policy development, advice and sympathetic management through partnerships and positive action to conserve, enhance and promote the historic environment, in conjunction with landowners, national agencies and other relevant organisations

WV-H1 Conserve, protect and enhance the historic environment of the AONB through policy development, offering advice and encouraging sympathetic management

Low; the new objective is lightly more prescriptive but incorporates much of the old WV-H2

Not significant

WV-H2 Initiate and encourage schemes and positive action to conserve, enhance and promote the historic environment in conjunction with national (EH & NE and Cadw & CCW) and other relevant agencies

Low - see WV-H1 above Not significant

WV-H2 Promote establishment of baseline data

WV-H3 Promote establishment of baseline data to






to monitor change and improve the local databases of historic landscape assessments, conservation areas, locally important buildings, & buildings at risk, ancient trees, heritage features and sites in the AONB in conjunction with Local Planning Authorities, local archaeological trusts and individuals

monitor change and improve the local databases of historic landscape assessments, conservation areas, locally important buildings, & buildings at risk, ancient trees, heritage features and sites in the AONB in conjunction with Local Planning Authorities, local archaeological trusts and individuals

WV-H4 Maintain the integrity and promote the restoration, where appropriate, of the Historic Parks and Gardens and designed landscapes

Low - this old objective is accommodated in the new WV-H1

Not significant

WV-H3 Promote the understanding and enjoyment of the cultural heritage and historic environment

WV-H5 Promote the understanding and enjoyment of the historic environment

Low

Not significant

WV-F1 Encourage farmers and landowners to develop and adopt sustainable management practices that conserve or enhance the features, Special Qualities and natural beauty of the Wye Valley AONB

WV-F1 Encourage farmers and landowners to identify and develop sustainable management practices that conserve or enhance the features, special qualities and natural beauty of the Wye Valley AONB

Low

Not significant

WV-F2 Influence policy on, and encourage the maximum uptake of, agri-environment and other appropriate schemes, including support for small-holders, where they progress the conservation or enhancement of the natural beauty, biodiversity, historic environment and Special Qualities of the AONB, particularly through Catchment Sensitive

WV-F2 Influence policy on, and encourage the maximum uptake of, agri-environment and other appropriate schemes, including support for small-holders, where they progress the conservation or enhancement of the natural beauty, biodiversity and special qualities of the AONB, particularly through Catchment Sensitive Farming and mixed farming

Low Not significant





Farming and mixed farming systems systems

WV-F3 Seek to mitigate &/or reduce, or as a last resort remove, agricultural activity which significantly diminishes or destroys the Special Qualities, natural beauty and landscape character of the AONB

WV-F3 Seek to mitigate, reduce or remove agricultural activity which significantly diminishes or destroys the special qualities, natural beauty and landscape character of the AONB

Low Not significant

WV-F4 Support the development of and funding for new skills, farming practices and farm-based activities that are compatible with the aims of AONB designation, and encourage and support traditional skills such as hay making, hedge laying, dry stone walling, woodland and coppice management, riparian tree works etc. that contribute to the maintenance of the Special Qualities of the AONB

WV-F4 Support the development of funding and for new skills, farming practices and farm-based activities that are compatible with the aims of AONB designation, and encourage and support traditional skills such as hay making, hedge laying, dry stone walling, etc. that contribute to the maintenance of the special qualities of the AONB.

Low Not significant

WV-F5 Promote a wider understanding of the value of farming to the landscape and economy of the AONB

WV-F5 Promote a wider understanding of the value of farming to the landscape and economy of the AONB


WV-F6 Support all appropriate measures to control diseases of agricultural crops, trees and livestock, which threaten the commercial viability of farming systems that conserve the landscape character, ensuring that the measures remain compatible with the conservation and enjoyment of natural beauty

WV-F6 Support all appropriate measures to control diseases of agricultural livestock, which threaten the commercial viability of grazing systems, ensuring that the measures remain compatible with the conservation and enjoyment of natural beauty.

Low

Not significant

WV-F7 Encourage and support local producers

WV-F7 Encourage and support local producers to






to supply local food and promote and encourage the use of local produce by public bodies, consumers, accommodation providers and local food outlets.

supply local food and promote and encourage the use of local produce by public bodies, consumers, accommodation providers and local food outlets.

WV-W1 Provide best practice advice to woodland owners and managers on sustainable multipurpose management of the Wye Valley woodlands, including sensitive PAWS restoration, encouraging ‘the right tree in the right place’ and the ecosystems approach

WV-W1 Provide best practice advice to woodland owners and managers on sustainable multipurpose management of the Wye Valley woodland, with gradual PAWS restoration a priority

Low Not significant

WV-W2 Develop and support tree, woodland and forestry initiatives and policy that conserve, restore and/or enhance the Special Qualities, biodiversity and natural beauty of the area, ensuring no net loss of semi-natural woodland cover unless there are overriding nature or heritage conservation benefits

WV-W2 Support the management of woodlands and trees in the AONB that conserve, restore and/or enhance the special qualities, biodiversity and natural beauty of the area, ensuring no net loss of semi-natural woodland cover unless there are overriding nature or heritage conservation benefits

Low Not significant

WV-W3 Support initiatives for the planting of ‘the right tree in the right place’ which respect the local landscape character and biodiversity and provide benefits for amenity, health, the local economy and linking or expanding existing sites.

Low - this in now incorporated in the new WV-W1

Not significant

WV-W4 Work in partnership to develop tree, woodland and forestry initiatives in line with relevant regional and national strategies and EU Directives, including

Low - the ‘development’ aspect is in now incorporated in the new WV-W2

Not significant





effective protection for semi-natural woodlands so that none are lost, and encourage bringing woodland back into management through various techniques such as coppicing

WV-W3 Support the development of employment and skills and markets for local timber and woodland produce

WV-W5 Support and promote initiatives that encourage employment and skills development for multipurpose woodland management and conservation

Low Not significant

WV-W6 Support the development of existing and new markets for local timber and woodland produce through improved storage, marketing, entry into national certification schemes and product development, eg woodfuel

Low - less prescriptive reference to markets and woodland produce is made in the new WV-W3 above

Not significant

WV-W4 Support the monitoring, management and where appropriate, control of diseases, pests and other threats, which may cause substantial mortality in tree species and woodland habitats and seek to mitigate the landscape impact of any loss.

WV-W7 Support the monitoring, management and where appropriate, control of diseases, pests and other threats, which may cause substantial mortality in tree species and woodland habitats and seek to mitigate the landscape impact of any loss.


WV-W5 Increase understanding, awareness and enjoyment of trees and the special nature of the Wye Valley woodlands and promote them as a resource for appropriate educational, recreational and health opportunities

WV-W8 Increase understanding, awareness and enjoyment of trees and the special nature of the Wye Valley woodlands and promote them as a resource for appropriate educational, recreational and health opportunities


WV-D1 Ensure a consistent and coherent framework of planning policies relating to

WV-D1 Ensure that a consistent and coherent framework of planning policies relating to

Low

Not significant





the AONB is fully reflected in the statutory land use planning documents and their effectiveness monitored

the protection, conservation and management of the AONB is fully reflected in the statutory land use planning policies and monitor their effectiveness

WV-D2 Encourage and support high standards of design, materials, energy efficiency, drainage and landscaping in all developments, including Permitted Development, to ensure greater sustainability and that they complement and enhance the local landscape character and distinctiveness including scale and setting and minimise the impact on the natural environment

WV-D2 Encourage and support high standards of design, materials, energy efficiency, drainage and landscaping in all developments, including Permitted Development, to ensure that they complement and enhance the landscape and local character of the AONB

Low - the new objective also references ‘scale and setting’ previously in the old WV-D2

Not significant

WV-D3 Promote the recognition and reinforcement of local character and distinctiveness in design, scale, setting and materials used in all development in the AONB, using local landscape character assessments

Low - now incorporated into the new WV-D1

Not significant

WV-D3 Resist inappropriate development which will create a persistent and dominant feature out of keeping with the landscape of the AONB and/or if it damages Special Qualities in the AONB, including through high levels of noise and/or light pollution or any SAC, SPA or Ramsar site or other sites designated as environmentally important

WV-D4 Resist inappropriate development which will create a persistent and dominant feature out of keeping with the landscape of the AONB and/or if it damages special qualities in the AONB, including through high levels of noise and/or light pollution or any SAC, SPA or Ramsar site

Low Not significant

WV-D4 WV-D5 None Not significant





Encourage the use of Section 106 or Section 38 Agreements and the Community Infrastructure Levy to provide opportunities for developments to contribute to enhancing or conserving the natural beauty of the AONB

Encourage the use of Section 106 or Section 38 Agreements “and the Community Infrastructure Levy” to provide opportunities for developments to contribute to enhancing or conserving the natural beauty of the AONB

WV-D5 Encourage and support public involvement in the future planning of settlements and the countryside throughout the AONB for example through Neighbourhood Plans

WV-D6 Encourage and support public involvement in the future planning of settlements and the countryside throughout the AONB for example through Parish Plans and Village Design Statements

Low Not significant

WV-M1 Encourage a consistent and coherent framework of mineral planning policies that recognise the AONB and SACs as primary constraints to new quarries and extensions to existing quarries

WV-M1 Encourage a consistent and coherent framework of mineral planning policies relating to the protection, conservation and management of the AONB and monitor their effectiveness

Low Not significant

WV-M2 Encourage quarries to be operated and restored to a standard that is appropriate to the landscape character, geodiversity and biodiversity of the AONB

WV-M2 Encourage quarries to be operated and restored to a standard that is appropriate to the landscape character, geodiversity and biodiversity of the AONB


WV-M3 Support the working of building stone where there is a clear need for local conservation and heritage purposes where the scale and nature of extraction is not seriously damaging to the Special Qualities, landscape character or natural beauty of the AONB

WV-M3 Support the working of building stone where there is a clear need for local conservation and heritage purposes where the scale and nature of extraction is not seriously damaging to the special qualities, landscape character or natural beauty of the AONB

None

Not significant

WV-M4 Regard the AONB and SACs as primary

Low - this is now incorporated in the new

Not significant





constraints to new quarries, or extensions to existing quarries, for limestone aggregates that adversely impact on the special qualities, landscape character or natural beauty of the AONB.

WV-M1

WV-U1 Support and promote the development of renewable forms of energy generation that do not impact negatively on the landscape features and Special Qualities of the AONB

WV-U1 Support and promote the development of renewable forms of energy generation that do not impact negatively on the landscape features and special qualities of the AONB


WV-U2 Encourage further under-grounding of existing and proposed power and telephone lines, where these do not conflict with any SAC, and resist new overhead lines where skylines or important views are affected

WV-U2 Encourage further under-grounding of existing and proposed power and telephone lines, where these do not conflict with any SAC, and resist new overhead lines where skylines or important views are affected


WV-U3 Encourage the highest standards of equipment design and siting for high-speed broadband and mobile phone installations and resist new structures that either do not share masts and / or do not utilise appropriate designs at suitable locations

WV-U3 Encourage the highest standards of equipment design and siting for telecommunication masts and resist new structures that either do not share masts and / or do not utilise appropriate designs at suitable locations

Low Not significant

WV-U4 Encourage the use and supply of resources, including water abstraction and investment in infrastructure, that is consistent with the Special Qualities, SACs, landscape character and natural beauty of the AONB, and monitor any adverse impacts

WV-U4 Encourage the use and supply of resources, including water abstraction and investment in infrastructure, that is consistent with the special qualities, SACs, landscape character and natural beauty of the AONB, and monitor any adverse impacts






WV-T1 Encourage and promote greater use of more sustainable and smarter forms of transport in the AONB and for accessing the area, including from railway station, so as to afford modal shift from the car for visitors and residents, subject to WV-D2 and WV-D3

WV-T1 Encourage and promote greater use of more sustainable forms of transport in the AONB and for accessing the area, subject to WV-D4

Low Not significant

WV-T2 Ensure the design of transport infrastructure and traffic management and control schemes are consistent with the Special Qualities, landscape character and natural beauty of the AONB, and monitor their effectiveness

WV-T2 Support appropriate traffic management and control schemes, including control or provision of parking, that help to reduce adverse impacts of motor traffic in the AONB

Low - this objective broadly amalgamates elements of the previous management plan objectives.

Not significant

WV-T3 Encourage and promote the design of transport infrastructure that is consistent with the special qualities, landscape character and natural beauty of the AONB, and monitor their effectiveness

Low - this is now incorporated into the new WV-T2

Not significant

WV-T4 Encourage full consideration of the impact on the special qualities, landscape character and natural beauty of the AONB of proposals for transport management schemes, including air, road, rail and water systems in and adjacent to the AONB

Low - this is now incorporated into the new WV-T2

Not significant

WV-T3 Conserve the character of rural roads in the AONB by conserving existing traditional features, reducing excessive signage and lighting and sympathetically

WV-T5 Conserve the character of rural roads in the AONB by conserving existing traditional features, reducing excessive signage and sympathetically managing

Low Not significant





managing verges for biodiversity, unless there are proven public safety grounds

verges for biodiversity

WV-T6 Seek to reduce, and resist the further extension of, street lighting, junction lighting and traffic sign illumination in the rural areas of the AONB unless there are proven public safety grounds.

Low - this is now incorporated into the new WV-T2 and WV-T3

Not significant

WV-C1 Encourage community led initiatives that maintain the diversity, sustainability and quality of rural community life and/or that stimulate investment, local employment and retain or improve facilities and services for local people, subject to WV-D2 and WV-D3

WV-C1 Encourage community led initiatives that maintain the diversity, sustainability and quality of rural community life

Low - the new objective incorporates the old WV-C3

Not significant

WV-C2 Promote awareness, appreciation of, and pride in the lower Wye Valley, the Special Qualities and features of the Wye Valley AONB and the beneficial aspects for local people of living and working in a nationally protected landscape

WV-C2 Promote awareness, appreciation of, and pride in the lower Wye Valley, the special qualities and features of the Wye Valley AONB and the beneficial aspects for local people of living and working in a nationally protected landscape


WV-C3 Encourage initiatives in the local community that stimulate investment, enhance local employment opportunities and retain and improve facilities and services for local people, subject to WV-D2, WV-D3 and WV-D4 above.

Low - this is now incorporated in the new WV-C1

Not significant

WV-C3 Support the development of affordable housing appropriate to local need in the AONB, subject to WV-D2 and WV-D3

WV-C4 Support the development of affordable housing appropriate to local need in the AONB, subject to WV-D2, WV-D3 and

Low Not significant





WV-D4 above

WV-C4 Encourage and promote local community plans and strategies to contain coherent objectives relating to the protection, conservation and management of the AONB and monitor their effectiveness

WV-C5 Encourage and promote local community plans and strategies to contain coherent objectives relating to the protection, conservation and management of the AONB and monitor their effectiveness


WV-E1 Support initiatives that improve the market for products which conserve or enhance the AONB’s distinctive landscape, Special Qualities and strengthens the sense of place of the AONB

WV-E1 Support initiatives that improve the market for products which conserve or enhance the AONB’s distinctive landscape, special qualities and strengthens the sense of place of the AONB


WV-E2 Raise awareness of good practice and encourage local businesses in the AONB to take opportunities to become more environmentally, socially and economically sustainable, particularly in ways that sustain the natural beauty of the area

WV-E2 Raise awareness of good practice and encourage local businesses in the AONB to take opportunities to become more environmentally, socially and economically sustainable, particularly in ways that sustain the natural beauty of the area

None

Not significant

WV-E3 Support the delivery of local co-operative schemes, advice and training programmes that support the development and expansion of rural micro-businesses, subject to WV-D2 and WV-D3

WV-E3 Support the delivery of local co-operative schemes, advice and training programmes that support the development and expansion of rural micro-businesses, subject to WV-D2, WV-D3 and WV-D4 above

Low

Not significant

WV-E4 Raise awareness of the value of the AONB and the importance of retaining a high quality environment in attracting and retaining entrepreneurs, relocating

WV-E4 Raise awareness of the importance of retaining a high quality environment in attracting and retaining entrepreneurs, relocating businesses, inward investment

Low

Not significant





businesses, inward investment and skilled personnel

and skilled personnel

WV-S1 Encourage and promote the AONB as a sustainable tourism destination with forms of tourism activity and development that are based on the conservation, enhancement and enjoyment of the Special Qualities and features of the AONB

WV-S1 Encourage and promote those forms of tourism activity and development that are based on the conservation, enhancement and enjoyment of the special qualities and features of the AONB

Low

Not significant

WV-S2 Promote the improvement of the visitor experience, particularly at the most heavily visited sites, and facilitate the opportunity for visitors to explore and discover other appropriate but less used locations throughout the AONB, thus spreading demand and balancing pressures across sites where this does not conflict with the Special Qualities of the AONB and the SACs

WV-S2 Promote the improvement of the visitor experience, particularly at the most heavily visited sites, and facilitate the opportunity for visitors to explore and discover other appropriate but less used locations throughout the AONB, thus spreading demand and balancing pressures across sites where this does not conflict with the special qualities of the AONB and the SACs

None

Not significant

WV-S3 Ensure adequate provision of co-ordinated tourism data and visitor engagement to inform strategic and practical decision making on conserving or enhancing the Special Qualities of the AONB

WV-S3 Ensure adequate provision of co-ordinated tourism data and visitor engagement to inform strategic and practical decision making on conserving or enhancing the special qualities of the AONB

None

Not significant

WV-S4 Encourage the mitigation and/or reduction of the adverse impacts of existing tourism activity and attractions,

WV-S4 Encourage the mitigation and/or reduction of the adverse impacts of existing tourism activity and attractions, particularly where

None

Not significant





particularly where they are concentrated around certain locations or sites, and/or those that fall outside the aim of conservation, enhancement and enjoyment of the Special Qualities and features of the AONB. Highest priority will be given to addressing the issues in the Symonds Yat and Tintern areas

they are concentrated around certain locations or sites, and/or those that fall outside the aim of conservation, enhancement and enjoyment of the special qualities and features of the AONB. Highest priority will be given to addressing the issues in the Symonds Yat and Tintern areas

WV-R1 Encourage and promote recreational pursuits and responsible access compatible with the AONB purposes, particularly linking sustainable transport and town and village facilities. Associated development and new access to land should be subject to WV-D2 and WV-D3

WV-R1 Encourage and promote outdoor recreational pursuits and responsible access compatible with the AONB purposes - particularly promoting sustainable transport and town and village facilities. Associated development and new access to land should be subject to WV-D2, WV-D3 and WV-D4 above.

Low

Not significant

WV-R2 Assist the resolving of conflicts, real and perceived, between recreation, conservation and local interests, including other economic activities, and between different recreation interest groups in relation to the purposes of the AONB designation

WV-R2 Assist the resolving of conflicts, real and perceived, between recreation, conservation and local interests, including other economic activities, and between different recreation interest groups in relation to the purposes of the AONB designation.

None

Not significant

WV-R3 Support appropriate levels of sustainable design, repair, signage and maintenance on public rights of way, recreational trails and sites, using materials in keeping, in order to conserve or enhance the character and natural beauty of the AONB

WV-R3 Support appropriate levels of sustainable design, repair, signage and maintenance on public rights of way, recreational trails and sites, using materials in keeping, in order to conserve or enhance the character and natural beauty of the AONB.

None

Not significant





WV-R4 Assist in identifying gaps in access and recreational provision, including for under-represented and minority groups, and work with appropriate bodies and stakeholders to support and promote access improvements & even access for all, where this does not conflict with the Special Qualities of the AONB and the SACs

WV-R4 Assist in identifying gaps in access and recreational provision, including for under-represented and minority groups, and work with appropriate bodies and stakeholders to support and promote least restrictive access, where this does not conflict with the special qualities of the AONB and the SACs

Low

Not significant

WV-A1 Increase the profile of the Wye Valley AONB, promoting awareness and understanding of the designation and the Special Qualities of the AONB, through communication with, and interpretation for, residents, visitors, organisations and businesses, including embedding cultural and artistic activities into the conservation and enhancement of the AONB and measure effectiveness

WV-A1 Increase the profile of the Wye Valley AONB, promoting awareness and understanding of the designation and the special qualities of the AONB, through communication with, and interpretation for, residents, visitors, organisations and businesses and measure effectiveness

Low

Not significant

WV-P1 Maintain and develop effective partnerships and administrative arrangements to lead and co-ordinate the management of the AONB and develop the AONB Partnership as an effective forum for initiating and promoting discussion on important issues affecting the AONB

WV-P1 Maintain and develop effective partnerships and administrative arrangements to lead and co-ordinate the management of the AONB and develop the JAC as an effective forum for initiating and promoting discussion on important issues affecting the AONB

Low

Not significant

WV-P2 Sustain and enhance local and national government funding and support for the

WV-P2 Sustain and enhance local and national government funding and support for the

Low

Not significant





AONB Unit to add value to delivery of the AONB purposes

AONB Unit

WV-P3 Encourage and assist partners with initiatives that deliver the Management Plan, or other initiatives where the objectives are consistent with the purposes of the AONB designation, and utilise existing resources and seek new resources to implement the AONB Management Plan

WV-P3 Utilise existing resources and seek new resources to implement the AONB Management Plan through an agreed annual and rolling 3 year work programme

Low - the new objective has a greater emphasis on partnership working, incorporating the old WV-P8.

Not significant

WV-P4 Encourage Section 85 organisations, under the CRoW Act, to have co-ordinated policies to progress the purposes of the AONB designation and to make commitments in their annual business plans to specific delivery contributions that enable the AONB 3-year work programme

WV-P4 Encourage Section 85 organisations, under the CRoW Act, to have co-ordinated policies to progress the purposes of the AONB designation and to make commitments in their annual business plans to specific delivery contributions that enable the AONB 3-year work programme

None

Not significant

WV-P5 Develop and promote the AONB as a model of sustainable development, landscape management, transportation, access and rural regeneration through exemplary initiatives setting standards for other areas

WV-P5 Develop and promote the AONB as a model of sustainable development, landscape management, transportation, access and rural regeneration through exemplary initiatives setting standards for other areas

None

Not significant

WV-P6 Inform and engage all relevant interests, especially local communities, in issues and decisions affecting the AONB

WV-P6 Inform and engage all relevant interests, especially local communities, in issues and decisions affecting the AONB

None

Not significant

WV-P7 Encourage partners to be champions and ambassadors for the AONB in their

WV-P7 Encourage partners to be champions and ambassadors for the AONB in their

None

Not significant





contact with other interests, and ensure those interests recognise and consider the Management Plan and AONB work programme when relating to the area

contact with other interests, and ensure those interests recognise and consider the Management Plan and AONB work programme when relating to the area

WV-P8 Encourage and assist partners with initiatives that deliver the Management Plan or other initiatives where the objectives are consistent with the purposes of the AONB designation

Low - this objective is incorporated in the new WV-P3.

Not significant

WV-P8 Develop and co-ordinate the acquisition and analysis of data across the AONB, to inform priority setting, planning, implementation and monitoring of change affecting the natural beauty, including developing a better understanding of the likely impacts of climate change on the landscape of the Wye Valley AONB and supporting mitigation and adaption actions

WV-P9 Develop and co-ordinate the acquisition and analysis of data across the AONB, to inform priority setting, planning, implementation and monitoring of change affecting the natural beauty

Low - the new objective emphasises the impacts of climate change.

Not significant

WV-P9 Share knowledge and skills in protected area management locally, regionally, nationally and globally as appropriate

WV-P10 Share knowledge and skills in protected area management locally, regionally, nationally and globally as appropriate

None

Not significant


Appendix 2: Judging Significance in Relation to the SEA Directive Annex II of the SEA Directive lists criteria for determining the significance of environmental effects of a plan or programme. Taken together these criteria should inform judgements about whether environmental effects can be considered to be significant. Table 2: Table showing criteria of significance listed in Annex II of the SEA Directive alongside an assessment of their applicability to the AONB Management Plan 2015 to 2020 Characteristic of significance Is it significant? Likely effect of Plan

1. The characteristics of plans and programmes, having regard, in particular, to:

The degree to which the plan or programme sets a framework for projects and other activities, either with regard to the location, nature, size and operating conditions or by allocating resources

Yes

The AONB Management Plan will set a framework for a number of smaller scale projects.

The degree to which the plan or programme influences other plans and programmes including those in a hierarchy.

Yes The AONB Management Plan does not influence a hierarchy of subsidiary plans; however, actions include the contributing to other plans and programmes of varying significance.

The relevance of the plan or programme for the integration of environmental considerations with a view to promoting sustainable development

Yes The Management Plan sets sustainable development at the heart of its vision, and objectives and actions contribute to the maintenance of Special Qualities in the AONB. This ensures that environmental considerations are fully integrated. The Plan is considered highly beneficial to the achievement of sustainable development.

Environmental problems relevant to the plan or programme

No The Management Plan is unlikely to cause environmental problems. It is not substantively different from the previous 2009 to 2014 Management Plan (see appendix 1) which had been subject to SEA and shown not to exhibit significant environmental effects. It is highly likely to lessen problems such as atmospheric, soil and water pollution, loss of biodiversity, loss of landscape character, and deterioration of cultural heritage.

The relevance of the plan or No Yes The Management Plan is carried


Characteristic of significance Is it significant? Likely effect of Plan

programme for the implementation of Community legislation on the environment (e.g. plans and programmes linked to waste-management or water protection).

out as a result of national legislation (the Countryside and Rights of Way Act) which is not transposed from higher Community legislation. However, AONB Management Plans should be key drivers for achieving action on the ground in relation to a number of European Directives, including the Water Framework Directive and the Habitats Directive. For example, in relation to the Water Framework Directive the plans should recognise the importance of the water environment and articulate the steps that will be taken within the AONB to meet Water Framework Directive objectives, for example encouraging appropriate partnerships and action in priority catchments.

2. Characteristics of the effects and of the area likely to be affected, having regard, in particular, to:

The probability, duration, frequency and reversibility of the effects,

No The AONB Management Plan is unlikely to exhibit significant long term / frequent / irreversible effects as: - Strategic Objectives and actions generally link to and support national or local initiatives that are designed to enhance the quality of the rural environment; - Strategic Objectives are linked to conserving Special Qualities so actions which are contrary to this are not promoted as part of the plan. -The condition of the AONB will be monitored as part of the Management Plan

The cumulative nature of the effects

No The generally positive environmental improvements are likely to negate / offset cumulative environmental effects arising from outside sources.

The transboundary nature of the effects

Yes The AONB is transboundary and the Management Plan is likely to have a beneficial effect on positive transboundary effects occurring.

The risks to human health or the environment (e.g. due to

No Strategic Objectives and actions which aim to manage access and


Characteristic of significance Is it significant? Likely effect of Plan

accidents), reduce traffic levels will reduce the risk of accidents occurring.

The magnitude and spatial extent of the effects (geographical area and size of the population likely to be affected),

No While the Management Plan applies to the entirety of the AONB, negative environmental effects are not likely to be significant in or around the AONB.

The value and vulnerability of the area likely to be affected due to: special natural characteristics or cultural heritage

No The AONB is a highly valued place that contains areas of high biodiversity and cultural heritage value, making the area sensitive to environmental impacts. However, no such impacts are predicted and, due to the protections given to the Special Qualities emphasised in the Management Plan, would in any case be unlikely to be significant.

The value and vulnerability of the area likely to be affected due to exceeded environmental quality standards or limit values

No The AONB Management Plan is highly unlikely to provoke the exceedence of any environmental thresholds and is likely to increase environmental capacity in many instances (e.g. by restoring biodiversity).

The value and vulnerability of the area likely to be affected due to intensive land-use

No The AONB Management Plan is unlikely to promote intensive land use, rather it helps promotes less intensive farming.

The value and vulnerability of the area likely to be affected due to the effects on areas or landscapes which have a recognised national, Community or international protection status

No The AONB is a highly valued nationally designated protected landscape. However, the Management Plan is integral to the maintenance of that status and aims to achieve this through positive interventions that are likely to enhance landscape value. Such interventions are shown to be similar to those in the previous 2009 -14 Management Plan for which a previous SEA did not identify significant environmental effects.

Overall level of significance: Unlikely to exhibit significant effects on the environment.


‘the relevance of the plan or programme for the implementation of Community legislation on the environment (e.g. plans and programmes linked to waste-management or water protection)’, it is our view that the answer to this question should be ‘Yes’. AONB management plans should be key drivers for achieving action on the ground in relation to a number of European Directives, including the Water Framework Directive and the Habitats Directive. For example, in relation to the Water Framework Directive the plans should recognise the importance of the water environment and articulate the steps that will be taken within the AONB to meet Water Framework Directive objectives, for example encouraging appropriate partnerships and action in priority catchments.


Appendix 3: Comments on SEA Screening Report from Consultees [A3.1] Historic England We welcome the inclusion of strategic objectives relating to the historic environment and consider that this is necessary for a Strategic Environmental Assessment to accord with the legislative regulations. We would recommend that where the text within the strategic objectives and AONB Management Plan relates to ‘historic assets’ that this is amended to refer to ‘heritage assets’ to be in line with the definition within the National Planning Policy Framework. We would also recommend that where the text relates to ‘historic parks and gardens’ that this is amended to refer to ‘registered parks and gardens’ to be in line with the definition within the National Planning Policy Framework. Appendix 1 Comparison of AONB Management Plan Objectives WV-L3 we would state could have beneficial outcomes by ensuring that the Management Plan objectives and subsequent actions consider the historic environment and encourage understanding and enhancement through the use of Historic Landscape Characterisation and locally distinctive design. WV-H1/H2/H3 – again we would state that the inclusion of these objectives could have beneficial outcomes for the environment through recognising and valuing the historic environment within the objectives and actions of the management plan. We have no comments relating to the need for SEA at this time, if the Management Plan review is predominantly the same as the previous Management Plan, which did undergo full SEA. [A3.2] Natural England Natural England welcomes the production of an SEA Screening Report and is satisfied the conclusion that an SEA is not required is appropriate. [A3.3] Natural Resources Wales In relation to the SEA, we accept that the changes proposed in this ‘light touch’ review are unlikely to have significant negative environmental effects. 1. We understand that the 2015-2020 Plan was the product of a review rather than a more fundamental rewrite of the previous 2009-2014 Plan. We also understand that SEA was carried out on the 2009-2014 Plan, and that this did not identify any significant negative environmental effects. We presume that the previous plan and the current plan do have significant positive environmental effects. 2. We accept that the changes proposed in this ‘light touch’ review are unlikely to have significant negative effects.


3. The text in the SEA screening document is not clear as to whether it is the entire plan that is being assessed for significant effects, or simply the differences between this plan and the 2009-2014 Plan and the significance of any additional effects that the relatively small number of changes may cause. Both are cited in the screening document. 4. It should be noted that the next iteration of the management plan, due to commence in 2020, when we understand that the plan will be subject to a full review, will in our view require full SEA at that time. This will need to reflect the changes that have taken place over the preceding 10 or so years, including:

the baseline data has changed,

new plans have been adopted, such as the Local Development Plans (LDPs), whose links and interactions with the current plan have not been considered,

a raft of new legislation, including environment, planning, heritage and sustainable development will have been passed in Wales by that time, and the new management plan will need to reflect, this plus other significant drivers.

monitoring indicators need reviewing – given that previous management plans will have been in existence for some time, this will be a good opportunity to review the indicators selected when the previous plans and SEA were produced, and assess whether the monitoring information they have provided during this period has been fit for purpose.

5. Appendix 2: Judging Significance in Relation to the SEA Directive – in relation to the question regarding ‘the relevance of the plan or programme for the implementation of Community legislation on the environment (e.g. plans and programmes linked to waste-management or water protection)’, it is our view that the answer to this question should be ‘Yes’. AONB management plans should be key drivers for achieving action on the ground in relation to a number of European Directives, including the Water Framework Directive and the Habitats Directive. For example, in relation to the Water Framework Directive the plans should recognise the importance of the water environment and articulate the steps that will be taken within the AONB to meet Water Framework Directive objectives, for example encouraging appropriate partnerships and action in priority catchments.

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