AONBs are defined and designated under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. They are statutory Planning zones where the conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty of the landscape is of paramount importance. The Anglesey Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was designated by the Secretary of State for Wales in 1967. Covering 221 km2, along the coast of the island (with breaks around the urban areas, RAF Valley airfield and Wylfa nuclear power station), it recognised …"The coastline of Anglesey, many stretches of it isolated, contributes much to the island's appeal. Rugged cliffs, sandy bays, marshes, small coves and miles of soft dunes are famed for their beauty. So too are the Menai Straits, the narrow stretch of water separating the island from the mainland, and the windswept slopes of Holyhead and Bodafon Mountain". AONB designation gives no rights of access to land.
NW Anglesey AONB NE Anglesey AONB SE Anglesey AONB SW Anglesey AONB
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Under S85 of the Countryside & Rights of Way Act 2000 "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 AONB". Relevant Authorities are Ministers of the Crown, any public body [inc County and Community Councils, Local Planning Authorities, CCW, FCW and the Environment Agency], any statutory undertaker (Dwr Cymru, BT) and any person holding public office.
The County Council's draft Unitary Development Plan applies rigorous policies to such areas "EN2. Within the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (which includes defined Heritage Coast) shown on the Proposals Map, the Council will give priority to the protection and enhancement of the landscape when considering planning applications."
A Management Plan has been prepared for the AONB by Isle of Anglesey County Council.