Chilterns tranquility under threat (Contributed)

LOCAL conservation groups are increasingly concerned about the growing levels of noise pollution affecting the Chilterns countryside.
The Chiltern Hills are nationally-protected in part because they are one of the few areas in the crowded south east where people can find unspoilt, tranquil countryside. But growing noise levels from roads,
in particular motorways and trunk roads, and increasing numbers of aircraft flying overhead, are all destroying the peace and quiet of the Chilterns.

Noise is such an important issue that the Chilterns Conservation Board has included specific policies and actions in its new Management Plan for the Chilterns to try and deal with this growing problem.

“The Chilterns is protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,” said Steve Rodrick, Chief Officer of the Conservation Board. “There is a duty on all of us to care for it and the new Management Plan sets out how we can tackle all the issues facing it over the next five years, including noisy roads and aircraft. With increasing amounts of traffic and proposals for a third runway at Heathrow our tranquil countryside is under threat as never before.”

The new Plan also contains policies and actions on other issues of concern such as pressure for new housing, unsympathetic development in the countryside, increasing congestion on roads and the effects of climate change.

The Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 ? 2013 has been put together with the help of many local organisations including the National Trust, local wildlife trusts, The Chiltern Society and parish
councils. It contains policies and actions which aim to conserve the special features of this area and keep it a special place for many years ahead.

The Plan can be downloaded as a whole, or by chapter, from:
chilternsaonb.or

Copies can also be provided on CD.