'No timescale' for beauty spot expansion decision

Proposals to expand the Surrey Hills National Landscape have been submitted to the government.

The plans by Natural England would see an additional 50 square miles (129 square km) of land added to the area of outstanding natural beauty, increasing the current boundary by 30.5%.

The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) will now consider whether to approve, amend or reject the project.

Defra said there was no timescale for reaching its decision and that the areas being considered will "gain no new status unless and until it is confirmed".

Graham Horton, Thames Solent area deputy director for Natural England, said: "Extending the national landscape designation will help protect even more of this special place, ensuring that future generations can experience and enjoy it in the same way we do today.

"This submission is the culmination of years of collaboration with local communities, partners and landowners who share a commitment to safeguarding the distinctive character of the Surrey Hills and protecting the landscapes that extend into Hampshire and Greater London for generations to come."

Natural England said between 80 to 95% of people at its public consultations were in support of the plans, and that it had listened to those who had raised concerns.

Designating land as an area of outstanding natural beauty means it is protected by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, the government states.

This means the land must be conserved and its "natural beauty" enhanced.

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