THE Forest of Dean should be made a ‘pioneering’ Area of Outstanding Beauty as part of the nation’s new 25-year landscape plan.

That’s the view of the Forest District Council, which will tell the government’s independent review of England’s National Parks and AONBs that the region should spearhead a more forward-looking strategy for high

quality landscapes, including their physical and cultural heritage.

The council has long urged the government to approve AONB status for the Forest of Dean, which sits beside the 47-year-old Wye Valley AONB, and is hoping that the national review will finally help secure the coveted title.

Cllr Alan Grant (UKIP, Pillowell), Cabinet Member for Planning Policy and Health and Wellbeing, told last Thursday’s meeting of the full council: “The Forest of Dean is a landscape of national beauty and significance.

“The Forest of Dean should be designated an AONB as soon as the process can allow, but more than that, it should be a new pioneer AONB for the 25-year plan, reflecting new purposes.”

As well as landscape quality, the new purposes should include “cultural and physical heritage, environmental resources management and a broad education or understanding role around these areas,” he said.

Presenting a report drafted for the review, he added: “It is time to refresh the purposes of AONBs and their national role for the 21st century and the challenges ahead.

“Evidence has shown that the purposes and objects of AONBs are too narrow.

“AONBs need to be awarded a broader scope, demonstrating local, national and international ambitions in sustainable, environmental resource management and supporting the recovery of species diversity, abundance and resilience.

“They need to set a clear vision for their future and address the challenges faced by communities, landscape and wildlife.

“Within these new purposes there must also be a duty for individuals and communities to be able to explore the values and impacts of an AONB.

Councillors backed the submission of the report to the Designated Landscape Review Panel.