Natural England have announced that they have submitted the proposal to designate a new Yorkshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Dame Angela Eagle.
The Secretary of State may confirm the order as submitted, or make changes or refuse it, pending a public inquiry. If the Secretary of State approves the order, then the designation will come into force.
Natural England’s submission follows an extensive statutory process, a consultation with residents and communities, and a review of evidence.
In its consultation response analysis report, they found that 78% of respondents to the consultation stated that they agreed that the proposed inland area should be designated as an AONB, and 85% agreed for the Coastal Area.
Natural England stated that there is a clear weight of evidence that the proposed Inland and Coastal Areas meet the criterion of outstanding natural beauty required for AONB designation and that, where minor boundary refinements are required, they are appropriate.
Councillor Anne Handley, East Riding of Yorkshire Council Leader said “This is a key milestone, and we’re delighted that Natural England are submitting it to the Secretary of State. The Yorkshire Wolds are a stunning area of natural landscapes that fully deserve national recognition.”
The proposed designation of the Yorkshire Wolds as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) would have significant implications for the East Yorkshire coast and communities around Bridlington. The coastal section included within the proposal stretches across some of the county’s most celebrated landscapes, helping to recognise and protect the natural beauty of the area for future generations.
For Bridlington and neighbouring coastal communities, AONB status could raise the national profile of the coastline, attracting visitors seeking countryside, wildlife and scenic walking routes. Areas such as Flamborough Head, Bempton Cliffs and the rolling chalk landscapes that connect the Wolds to the coast are widely regarded as some of Yorkshire’s most distinctive natural environments.
Natural England’s consultation found strong public support for the proposal, with 85 per cent of respondents backing the inclusion of the coastal area. Supporters believe the designation would strengthen conservation efforts while promoting sustainable tourism and investment in local communities.
