Landscape
The Service's in-house expertise is primarily engaged in tasks related to planning applications and formulating planning policy. The ability to provide a general advice service is therefore limited.
National Landscape
National Landscapes, formerly known as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), are areas of landscape whose distinctive character and natural beauty is such that they should be recognised nationally.
These areas have special protection under the legislation of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act of 1949, and they represent a significant proportion of the finest countryside in England and Wales.
There are 46 AONBs in England and Wales, including one within Test Valley – the North Wessex Downs.
Biodiversity
There are over 4,100 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) in England, which are protected sites that are designated to maintain and protect a specific aspect of biological or earth heritage interest. Some of these sites are also internationally important for their wildlife and designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs) or Ramsar sites. Many SSSIs are also National Nature Reserves (NNRs) or Local Nature Reserves (LNRs).
Alongside the statutory designations, there are other designations to reflect biodiversity and wildlife value of land. This includes Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs), which are designated to raise awareness of their importance for wildlife with particular regard to planning and land management decision making.
Biodiversity Action Plan - Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) for the Borough of Test Valley is a working document that provides a framework for the maintenance and enhancement of the biodiversity of the Borough. It has been published by Test Valley Borough Council and was written in conjunction with the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.
New Forest National Park
Test Valley includes only a small part of the National Park (Plaitford Common, West Wellow Common and Canada Common) within the parishes of Wellow and Melchet Park and Plaitford. Part of the valley of the River Blackwater performs a backup grazing function.
New Forest National Park Authority has responsibility for all planning policy and development management matters in the National Park. More information on planning policy and decision making for those areas within the National Park can be found here.