Recognition of beauty in Churnet Valley bid
AN APPLICATION has been submitted to have part of the Staffordshire Moorlands designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
At a meeting of Kingsley Parish Council a copy of a letter was received from Michael Gove the Secretary of State for Environment,
Food and Rural Affairs which had been sent to Staffordshire Moorlands MP, Karen Bradley, regarding the Churnet Valley being registered as an AONB. Continued on page 2
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The Churnet Valley runs from Meerbrook to Alton through the Moorlands countryside.
In his letter Mr Gove said: “Thank you for the letter, from you and Councillor Sybil Ralphs MBE about the application for the Churnet Valley to have AONB status.
“We are currently conducting a review of designated landscapes, which is being led by Julian Glover, to explore how our National Parks and ANOBS meet our needs in the 21st century.
“Natural England is responsible for appraising suggestions for new or extended designated areas.
“We understand that Natural England intended to introduce reforms to speed up the formal landscape designation.
“The Churnet Valley AONB designation proposal is one of 17 that will be considered in the light of those reforms.
“As a general principle I believe we must make sure that our most precious landscapes are protected, while maintaining the high standard of natural beauty required for a landscape to be designated as an AONB or a National Park.
“It is also my view that conserving and enhancing the environment should be a priority across our countryside, beyond just designation.”
Councillor David Fowler said: “There is a lot of support and now is the time to push for the Churnet Valley to become an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty site.
“It would be helpful if the parish council supported it.”
Councillor Ivor Lucas said: “This is one of the finest tourists spots in the county. It needs to be supported. It will also protect the valley.”
Following a debate Chairman of the parish council, Ken Unwin said that Kingsley Parish Council would write and support the Churnet Valley area being registered as an AONB site.