Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Mendip Hills
AONBs are precious landscapes whose distinctive character and natural beauty are protected for future generations.
What makes Mendip Hills special?
A limestone plateau with spectacular gorges, caves, and swallet holes, including Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole.
- ✓ Cheddar Gorge
- ✓ Extensive cave systems
- ✓ Lead mining heritage
- ✓ Rare limestone flora
What makes Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty special?
- Same level of landscape protection as National Parks
- Designated for their outstanding natural beauty
- Managed through partnerships between local authorities
- Cover approximately 15% of England's land area
- Include diverse landscapes from coastlines to uplands
Planning Considerations
Great weight should be given to conserving and enhancing landscape and scenic beauty. Major development should be refused except in exceptional circumstances where it is in the public interest.
Location Details
- Designation
- Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Coordinates
- 51.2920, -2.7147
- Reference
- 21