Fenlands Leiston Road Aldeburgh Suffolk IP15 5PL Data via plota.co.uk

Previously an area of outstanding natural beauty, which is still the designation in law. Since 2023 authorities must seek to further its purpose, not merely have regard to it.

Harm to a protected site is only accepted where there is no alternative and an overriding public interest.

Nationally significant infrastructure projects (power stations, electricity lines, pipelines, major roads and railways, harbours, airports and reservoirs) are consented by a Secretary of State under the Planning Act 2008, after an examination by the Planning Inspectorate, rather than by the council. The boundary is the one the Inspectorate consults on and can change as the scheme does. Projects are shown within 2 km of the site.

Sites of special scientific interest are the best wildlife and geological sites in the country. Development likely to harm one is rarely permitted.