On 4th February 1964, Chichester Harbour was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), with the Government issuing a press notice the following day, titled “Beauty of Chichester Harbour to be Protected.” In 2023 all AONBs were rebranded as National Landscapes to better reflect their national importance.
The primary purpose of the National Landscape designation is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty. In pursuing the primary purpose, account should be taken of the needs of agriculture, forestry, other rural industries and of the economic and social needs of local communities. Regard should be paid to promoting sustainable forms of social and economic development that in themselves conserve and enhance the environment. Recreation is not an objective of designation, but the demand for recreation should be met insofar as it is consistent with the conservation of natural beauty and the needs of agriculture, forestry and other uses.
Chichester Harbour is one of 34 National Landscapes in England, designated under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act of 1949. Although managed differently, they hold equal status with the National Parks in terms of planning law.
