TL9 The Protection of Rural Tourist Attractions and Resources Policy
The following features form part of the Borough's special attractiveness for tourism, based upon the quiet enjoyment of the Wirral coast, landscape and open countryside. Proposals which would prejudice the continued attractiveness of these features for tourists and visitors or which would cause demonstrable harm to the special character of the resources and attractions outlined below will not be permitted:
(i) historic, rural villages including Barnston, Brimstage, Frankby, Landican, Raby, Storeton, Thurstaston and Thornton Hough;
(ii) Areas of Special Landscape Value;
(iii) areas of undeveloped coastline and coastal habitat with coastal walks, views and scenery in north and west Wirral; and
(iv) the network of rural rights of way linking rural villages and attractions such as country parks and areas of importance for landscape and nature conservation.
Reasoned justification :
10.34 National planning policy guidance encourages local planning authorities to protect the tourist industry by ensuring that other land uses are distributed in such a way that respects the qualities that underpin the tourist industry. Policy TL9, therefore, identifies characteristic features within the Borough's rural areas, which are most significant in terms of the continued attraction of tourists and other visitors to the area.
10.35 These include quiet rural villages, areas of special landscape quality and unspoilt coastline, as well as the network of footpaths, country parks and areas of interest for nature conservation. Policy TL9 seeks to ensure that the need to retain and enhance these distinctive characteristics is fully taken into account when considering new development within rural areas of the Borough and that new proposals are designed, located and managed in order to protect their potential for tourism.