High Weald National Landscape
Over 53% of Wealden District falls within the High Weald National Landscape area which is designated for its national importance. This area was formerly known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and this reference is still used in the Management Plan. The designation recognises areas of landscape value and national importance. The High Weald was first designated as an AONB in 1983, and it is protected under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000). In this section you will find more information and a link to the current High Weald AONB Management Plan below.
High Weald AONB Management Plan 2024-2029
A new High Weald AONB Management Plan 2024-2029 has been prepared by the High Weald National Landscape Partnership, and was adopted by the District Council in December 2024.
The Management Plan sets out the long-term objectives for conserving this nationally important landscape and the local authorities’ ambitions for how the High Weald will be looked after for the next 5 years. It is a material consideration in relation to planning policy and the determination of planning applications within those parts of the District it covers. It identifies the components of character of the High Weald that provide the basis for its national landscape value, sets out a vision for the Area and, crucially, some of the activities that a range of bodies and local people could take to achieve that vision.
View the High Weald Management Plan 5th edition 2024-2029
The AONB Management Plan 2024-2029 is supported by a number of documents, all of which can be found on the High Weald National Landscape website.
High Weald Housing Design Guide 2019 – Building Better, Building Beautiful
The High Weald AONB Partnership, which includes Wealden District Council, has launched a Design Guide for new housing development in the High Weald. The Design Guide provides guidance to designers, developers, planning policy makers and planning decision makers to meet the requirements of the NPPF with regards to achieving well designed places and the conservation and enhancement of the High Weald National Landscape.
View the High Weald Housing Design Guide
Planning Technical Advice Note: Dark Skies in the High Weald (July 2024)
The High Weald Dark Skies Planning Advice Note is a technical piece of guidance, aimed specifically at helping Local Planning Authorities to assess lighting proposals in the High Weald, and help planning policy makers to consider dark skies in their policy formulation and site allocations.