How to Find Out If You're in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) — recently rebranded as National Landscapes — are some of the most protected landscapes in England. If your property is within one, it affects what you can build, how planning applications are assessed, and even your permitted development rights. Here's how to check.

Method 1: Use our free planning constraints tool

The Planning Constraints Map shows AONB boundaries from official datasets.

Open the Planning Constraints Map
Search for your postcode or address
Check the results panel — if you're in an AONB, it will be listed under environmental constraints
The boundary is shown on the map

You'll also see all other constraints at the same location, giving you the complete picture.

Method 2: Check Natural England's MAGIC Map

Natural England maintains the MAGIC Map, which is the official mapping tool for environmental designations in England. You can search for your location and turn on the AONB layer to see the boundaries.

MAGIC covers all 34 AONBs in England, from the Cotswolds and the Chilterns to the North Pennines and Cornwall.

Method 3: Local Authority Search

The standard property search during conveyancing will identify whether a property falls within an AONB. Your solicitor handles this as part of the purchase process.

What is an AONB?

An AONB is an area designated for the outstanding quality of its natural beauty — landscape, wildlife, geology, and cultural heritage. The primary purpose of the designation is to conserve and enhance that natural beauty.

There are 34 AONBs in England, covering about 15% of the land area. They include well-known landscapes like the Cotswolds, the Surrey Hills, the Sussex Downs, and the Northumberland Coast.

In 2023, AONBs were given the new name "National Landscapes" to raise their profile and align them more closely with National Parks. The legal framework and planning protections remain the same.

How AONBs affect planning

Higher bar for development

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) gives AONBs the highest level of landscape protection, equivalent to National Parks. Planning applications in AONBs must demonstrate that the proposal conserves and enhances the natural beauty of the area.

"Major development" in an AONB should not be permitted except in exceptional circumstances and where it can be demonstrated to be in the public interest. The definition of "major" depends on context — it's not just the standard planning definition (10+ dwellings) but is assessed relative to the local setting.

Reduced permitted development rights

Some permitted development rights are restricted in AONBs:

Larger rear extensions — the prior approval scheme for larger single-storey rear extensions (the 6m/8m rule) does not apply in AONBs
Agricultural buildings — permitted development rights for new farm buildings are more limited in AONBs, with size thresholds reduced
Demolition and rebuilding — some permitted development rights for demolition and rebuilding of residential buildings do not apply

Design and landscape sensitivity

Even for development that isn't "major," councils will assess the impact on the landscape. This typically means:

Materials and colours should be appropriate to the local landscape character
Building heights and scale should respect the surrounding context
Views into and out of the AONB are a material consideration
Lighting proposals are scrutinised to protect dark skies

AONB Management Plans

Each AONB has a Management Plan that sets out priorities for conserving and enhancing the landscape. These plans are a material consideration in planning decisions, and councils should have regard to them when assessing applications.

Does it make a property more or less valuable?

Being in an AONB is generally positive for property values. The protected landscape and restrictions on new development help maintain the character and attractiveness of the area, which supports demand. However, it can make it harder and more expensive to extend or develop, which some buyers see as a drawback.

Summary

Three ways to check whether you're in an AONB:

Quickest — Use the Planning Constraints Map for instant results
Official mapping — Use Natural England's MAGIC Map
During purchase — The Local Authority Search confirms AONB status

If you are in an AONB, planning applications face higher scrutiny, some permitted development rights are restricted, and major development requires exceptional justification. The designation protects the landscape that makes these areas special.