Archived decisions

Contact: Karin Taylor, ext 5938

1. Summary

1.1 The Countryside Agency has published a Designation Order for the new Forest National Park. This follows previous informal public consultations on the proposed boundary and administrative arrangements as well as a statutory consultation with local authorities on the proposed boundary. At its meeting on 6 March 2002 the Environment Policy Review Committee considered a report about the Designation Order. The Committee accepted the recommendations in the report and they form the recommended decision to the Cabinet. A copy of the report to the Committee is attached. The closing date for representation on the Designation Order is 25 March 2002.

1.2 The following decisions are sought:

1. That the County Council:

(i) welcomes the recognition of the importance of the New Forest inherent in the proposal to designate it as a National Park;

(ii) supports the need for the New Forest to have a solution which gives it permanent protection;

(iii) has no objection to the boundary of the area identified in the Designation Order as being appropriate for special measures, including the protection of the area.

2. That the County Council however objects to the Designation Order on the grounds that it will result in a standard National Park Authority which as a local authority will have a democratic deficit since none of its membership will be directly elected.

3. That the County Council believes that a tailor-made solution would be preferable.

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 Not to object.

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.

Approved by: .................................. Date: .................................

Councillor T K Thornber

7045/KT