Consultation on AONB guidance for development involving horses

The Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership has drafted guidance for people who want to keep horses in the Island’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The Island has seen a steady increase in the amount of land used for equestrian purposes. How the land is managed for horses, including the siting and design of stables, fencing, jumps, and the management of pasture all potentially impact on the character of the landscape.

Half of the Isle of Wight is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making it one of the finest landscapes in England and Wales. This guidance Horse Management and Landscape aims to ensure that new proposals for equestrian development in the AONB are sensitively sited and designed to respect the landscape character.

Marijke Ransom, AONB Planning and Information Officer says “It is very important that the distinctive qualities and characteristics of this nationally protected landscape are conserved. We hope that this guidance will be widely endorsed”.

Comments on the draft are invited by 17th June 2005. Copies are available from www.wightaonb.org.uk and the Isle of Wight AONB Partnership, Innovation Centre, St Cross Business Park, Monks Brook, Newport, PO30 5WB, email: unit@wightaonb.org.uk, or telephone 01983 823 855.