Agenda item

We received a report regarding the pre-consultation draft framework for the Wye Valley National Landscape Management Plan and the revised programme.

In doing so, the following information was noted:

·        The proposed Vision for the National Landscape Management Plan 2026-2031 was agreed at the last Joint Advisory Committee meeting.

·        The Public Consultation Draft Management Plan will then be finalised and published with a 10 week consultation period, including three public events.

·        There is some slippage in the review programme with the likelihood that the new Management Plan will not be formally approved by the Local Authorities and Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) before the end of 2026.

·         Therefore, the five-year period of the new Management Plan should be realigned to cover 2027-2032.

·        The current Wye Valley AONB Management Plan (2021-2026) will remain valid until the new National Landscape Management Plan is adopted.

The draft Management Plan Framework has been updated to reflect changes over the last five years, retaining its overarching objectives, themes and policies while modernising the structure. The document is still in a skeletal stage, with the core policies developed but the descriptive text yet to be added. Special qualities have been streamlined from 27 to 18 by amalgamating similar elements, and strategic objectives have been reduced from over 70 to around 50 to improve clarity and usability. Public consultation is planned to begin after Easter, and only minor adjustments are expected at this stage, with more substantial feedback anticipated during the formal consultation period later in the year.

Some delays mean that the final plan is unlikely to be adopted until late 2026, so the plan period will shift to 2027–2032. A recommendation has been made to confirm that the existing plan remains valid until the new one is adopted to avoid any policy gaps.

The consultation will include three public events—one in the north (e.g., Ross), one in the south (e.g., Tintern, Trellech, or Brockweir), and one central location such as Monmouth, scheduled at varied times to maximise participation. The consultation will be promoted online, through partner organisations, town, parish and community councils, and via social media. Members highlighted the importance of raising public awareness and suggested using libraries and leisure centres to display QR codes as well as physical documentation.

Discussion also covered the inclusion of tranquillity, dark skies and light pollution within the plan, with JAC members expressing support for their prominence. Concerns were raised about noise impacts such as Scrambler motorbikes, and the growing importance of sustainable and regenerative land management in light of potential future food provision issues.

A further question addressed the concept of geodiversity, which relates to the variety of geological and geomorphological features and processes. The plan involves working with organisations such as Herefordshire and Worcestershire Earth Heritage Trust and groups like the Woolhope Club. Geoconservation includes protecting rock exposures, ensuring accessibility, preventing damage from land management or recreational activities, and potentially enhancing public understanding through guided walks and trail leaflets.

We resolved:

(i)              To provide initial comment and feedback on the pre-consultation draft framework for the Wye Valley National Landscape Management Plan before 31^st March 2026.

(ii)             To endorse the revised programme for the review and publication of the National Landscape Management Plan.

(iii)           To recognise that the revised Management Plan is unlikely to be finalised and adopted in 2026 and therefore set the new Management Plan for 2027-2032.