Policy information sourced from the Reigate & Banstead Local Plan - Development Management Plan

NHE1: Landscape protection

  1. With regard to the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB):
    • Great weight will be attached to the impact that development proposals would have on the landscape and scenic beauty of the AONB;
    • Proposals for major development within the AONB will only be supported in exceptional circumstances where it is demonstrated as being in the public interest, in accordance with national policy.
    • Proposals must conserve and enhance the landscape and scenic beauty of the AONB and development proposals outside its boundaries must have regard to protecting its setting.
    • Proposals should have regard to the current Surrey Hills AONB Management Plan.
  2. The principles set out in Policy NHE1(1) above apply in the Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV), as designated on the Policies Map, until such a time as the Surrey Hills AONB Boundary Review is completed which may extend the AONB into land currently designated AGLV. Any AGLV remaining after the AONB Boundary Review will thereafter be treated as a local landscape designation.
  3. Development proposals located between Horley and Gatwick Airport must ensure that a physical visual break is retained through the protection and intensification of existing tree/ hedgerow belts and other landscape measures including introducing a suitable and distinct landscape buffer to reinforce the identity and separateness of the settlement of Horley from Crawley and Gatwick Airport. Development proposals must also have regard to the open setting of Gatwick Airport consistent with adopted planning policies in adjoining areas. This is reflected on the policies map with the designation of Gatwick Open Setting.
  4. Throughout the borough, development proposals must:
    • Respect the landscape character and landscape features of the locality.
    • Have particular regard to potential impacts on ridgelines, public views and tranquillity, and the effects of light pollution.
    • Be of a design, siting and scale that is complementary to the landscape and its surroundings.
    • Use appropriate external building materials, particularly in terms of type and colour, to avoid the development appearing conspicuous in the landscape.
    • Demonstrate how opportunities have been taken to enhance the immediate and wider setting of the development.
    • Seek to protect the best and most versatile agricultural land.
  5. Minor development that would assist in the continuation or establishment of rural businesses or benefit the social and economic wellbeing of rural communities will be supported providing it does not conflict with the aims of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the landscape.
  6. Proposals for renewable energy developments, in particular wind turbines and solar farms, will only be permitted where their impact (visual and noise) would not harm the landscape or undermine the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside.

For more information please see the Reigate & Banstead Development Management Plan