Archived decisions

Contact: Karin Taylor, ext 5938

1. Summary

1.1 The report to the Environment Policy Review Committee of 17 September 2001 (copy attached) considers two consultation documents recently published by the Countryside Agency in relation to the proposed designation of the New Forest National Park. These relate to the proposed boundary and proposed special arrangements for the establishment of a National Park Authority. The issues are considered from the County Council's perspective and an appropriate response to the Countryside Agency is put forward.

1.2 The following decision is sought:

That the Countryside Agency be informed that:

(i) the boundary for the New Forest National Park as proposed by the Countryside Agency be supported; and

(ii) the County Council wishes the following observations to be taken into account in respect of drawing up Special Arrangements for a New Forest National Park Authority:

Issue 1: The County Council would wish a tailor-made solution to be devised for the New Forest, involving new or amended existing legislation, which would take full account of the needs of commoning and the integration of Crown land. In the absence of a tailor-made solution, then it is essential that the Government publishes a circular emphasising the unique qualities of the New Forest.

Issue 2: The County Council is concerned at the lack of direct democratic accountability associated with National Park Authorities but agrees that, in the absence of a tailor-made solution, the Verderers, the Commoners, the Forestry Commission and English Nature should be represented on the proposed National Park Authority.

Issue 3: The County Council supports the proposal for issuing special advice to promote integrated working between the proposed National Park Authority and other parties.

Issue 4: The County Council supports the Countryside Agency's preferred option for the preparation of development plans.

Issue 5: The County Council welcomes the proposal to delegate development control to the existing local authorities.

Issue 6: The County Council agrees that how land is managed is crucial to conserving the New Forest, but requests that further consideration be given to the respective roles of the Forestry Commission and the proposed National Park Authority in the management of Crown land.

Issue 7: In respect of visitor management the County Council agrees that rights of way should remain the responsibility of the highway authorities; it further requests that the Countryside Agency addresses heritage-related issues more specifically and, in particular, how the historical, archaeological and architectural character of the New Forest is to be conserved and enhanced.

Issue 8: The County Council supports the need to involve local expertise in the work of the proposed National Park Authority and suggests that this can be developed from existing structures.

Issue 9: The County Council supports the wide involvement of different interests in the work of the proposed National Park Authority and supports the further development of the New Forest Consultative Panel as a model for partnership working.

2. Reason

2.1 To promote the appropriate management of the New Forest and to safeguard the County Council's involvement.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Discussed in report to Environment Policy Review Committee of 17 September 2001.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or a Member or Officer Consulted - Not applicable.

5. Dispensation Granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

6685/KT