The East Hampshire Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) consists of representatives from local and national government organisations and statutory agencies as well as from landowner, conservation, amenity and recreational bodies. The JAC works in partnership with other organisations to ensure the conservation and enhancement of the East Hampshire Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Together with the Sussex Downs Conservation Board the JAC aims to protect the whole of the South Downs.

A Landscape Assessment for the AONB was commissioned in 1991, followed by a Management Plan for the AONB in 1994, setting out key management objectives and priorities for action, and an appointed Project team carries them out. The aims of the East Hampshire AONB Joint Advisory Committee working through the AONB project staff and partners are:

• to protect, conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the East Hampshire AONB, including its physical, ecological and cultural landscape
• to promote the quiet, informal enjoyment of the area by the general public, but only so far as is consistent with the first aim

• to improve liaison with farmers, landowners and other parties, raise awareness of the AONB and to encourage land management which supports the two aims above

• to foster the economic and social well-being of communities within the East Hampshire AONB

The East Hampshire Joint Advisory Committee, through its AONB Officer:

• Conserves and enhances the distinctive wildlife, landscape and historic features which make the area special by offering advice and support to local land owners, town and parish councils and other organisations.
• Facilitates conservation projects by advising on appropriate sources of grant aid or subsidy; through the Volunteer Ranger Service, carries out practical conservation and landscape enhancement projects.
• Commissions research to identify the special qualities and features of the AONB.
• Provides information which improves the understanding and appreciation of the AONB.
• Promotes the quiet, informal enjoyment of the area, particularly through the development of walking and cycling routes.
• Ensures adequate recognition is given within planning policies to the AONB.
• Comments on planning applications that will have a significant impact on the AONB and where necessary, provide evidence at public inquiries.
• Promotes sustainable economic development.

Designation as an AONB confers national recognition of the area's outstanding natural beauty. It helps to provide protection from unsuitable development through planning laws and at the local level gives greater powers to the rural community and its planners to keep any development in scale and sympathy with the area. It also identifies a priority area for directing national resources towards its management. The JAC was established and works through the AONB Project Officer team, to undertake the objectives of the AONB for practical action on the ground.

Alison Tingley, AONB Officer
Nick Heasman, Project Officer
East Hampshire AONB Office
Queen Elizabeth Country Park
Gravel Hill
Waterlooville
Hampshire
PO8 0QE

Telephone: 023 9259 1362
Fax: 023 9259 2409

Click here for a map of where to find the East Hampshire AONB Office.