Natural England funds up to 75% of core costs (salaries, accommodation etc) and each of the five partner local authorities pays a proportion of the rest. The local authorities also contribute to the AONB budget for projects. Then we bid for other money to carry out more projects. For a detailed breakdown see the latest Annual Review.
3. How much of the AONB falls in each local authority area?
Mendip District Council 87.67 sq km and
Sedgemoor District Council 34.03 sq km
Bath and North East Somerset Council 36.95 sq km
North Somerset Council 39.35 sq km
Total 198 sq km
Somerset County Council encompasses Mendip and Sedgemoor Councils.
4. Do you have any specific guidance for development in the AONB?
Development plans always have policies relating to development in AONBs. The Mendip Hills Partnership has produced Agricultural Building Design Guidelines and Horse Related Development Guidelines which have been adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance by all the relevant local planning authorities. You will find these on our Publications page along with an Overview of Planning Controls in the AONB.
5. Do I need planning permission?
It is always best to consult your local planning authority, explaining in writing exactly what you would like to do and exactly where it is. Requests for a pre application opinion are always best done in writing so that no misunderstanding can take place on either part.
6. I think some unauthorised development or activities are taking place - can I do anything, or can you stop it?
The AONB Service and Partnership do not have any planning powers so the best route is to contact the Planning Enforcement Officer in the relevant authority and find out if planning permission has been granted and if not, request that a visit be made to the site to establish what is happening.
7. What powers does the Mendip Hills AONB Partnership have?
None, it is an advisory committee. Individually the local authorities and government agencies such as Natural England and English Heritage have powers through planning and other legislation to protect the AONB landscape and aspects of designated features within it. Go toPartnership pages and find out more.
8. Would any form of development be acceptable in the AONB?
The AONB Service Planning Liaison Officer, Jonathan Richards, monitors planning applications referred to him by the five local authorities covering parts of the AONB. These applications are tracked via a computer mapping system enabling development trends to be monitored across the area and the implications for the AONB Management Plan assessed. The information can also assist local authority partners when monitoring the effectiveness of their planning policies that aim to safeguard the special qualities of the AONB. If this information could also help you or your local group please contact jrichards@somerset.gov.uk
9. Where can I get information about AONB Service Projects?
If you want to read about recent and current projects go to our Caring for the Mendip Hills pages or contact our Development Officer Gail Graham on 01761 463458 email ggraham@somerset.gov.uk. If you need funding have a look here first.
What do adders look like?
Grey brown body with zig zag markings down the back. 50 to 60 cms in length. Found usually on heathlands, moor lands, and gruffy ground, usually from March to May. Have a look in our gallery
What is the geology of the AONB?
About 290 million years ago the area was strongly folded, faulted and uplifted. Devonian Old Red Sandstone emerges where the limestone has been eroded. Surrounding the Old Red Sandstone exposures are the Lower Limestone Shales succeeded by the main mass of Carboniferous Limestone. Go to Foundations of Mendip
What is the weather like?
The weather on the Mendip Hills is extremely changeable. We advise people to dress for all eventualities, especially in the Winter months. Before you visit the hills you may wish to check the weather on www.bbc.co.uk/weather/.
What walks are there in the area?
There are a series of six AONB walk cards which can be downloaded from our Publications page along with our new Alternative Guide to the Mendip Hills. The local tourist information centres will also be able to assist you with other walks publications. See interactive map.
Which OS maps cover the area and where can I obtain them?
