1. A National Park for the Cotswolds - Why ?
Covers 15 Local Authorities
More than 350 parishes
6 Counties

2. Comparison of the Cotswolds AONB National Parks
The Cotswolds AONB is larger than most National Parks
We have the same form of governance
We operate in the same way as a National Park apart from role in planning applications
We are more like a National Park than other smaller AONBs

3. Statutory Duties of National Parks and AONBs
Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage
Promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of national parks by the public
Seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the national parks
Conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the AONB
To increase the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the AONB, ensuring that these complement the conservation and enhancement of the area

4. Comparison of the Cotswolds AONB with the South Downs National Park
Covers 15 local Authority areas
Is 112 km from end to end
Has a governing Board with Local Authority, Parish Council and Government elected members
Has Park Rangers
Maintains public rights of way
Annual budget of £10,135,000
Is the Planning Authority over all the park and devolves function to Local Authorities but retains control
Covers 15 local Authority areas
Is 110 km from end to end
Has a governing Board with Local Authority, Parish Council and Government elected members
Has voluntary Wardens
Maintains public rights of way
Annual budget of £840,000
Local Authorities decide all plans and the AONB is not a statutory consultee

5. South Downs National Park Management Tree
Staffing
Comparison !

6. What is happening? Views of all parties are being sought
Presentations are been given like this across the Cotswolds
Visits to National Parks
Meetings with Local MPs
A Landscapes Review Committee has been set up to review National Parks and AONBs and will report back to Government next year
Landscapes Review: Call for Evidence published – closes 18th December
Anyone can put their views online

7. What will be different?
For the General public – more information and support for appreciating and enjoying the beautiful landscape
For Parishes - Better recognition as a National Park parish , more resources for maintaining rights of way, promoting tourism, planning policies which better reflect a protected landscape
For Businesses – Cotswold brand recognition, improved central support, providing employment , contributing to the economy
For Local Authorities – better support from a dedicated planning team for the National Park with more resources
For Landowners and Farmers – consistent policies on land use and approach to agri-environment schemes, improved delivery of support at a local rather than national level
For the Conservation Board – becomes National Park Authority with much greater resources and ability to manage a unified policy across the whole of the Cotswolds