Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Executive Decision Record

1. The decision:

a) That the 2009-2014 Management Plan for the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty be adopted.

b) That the County Council is party to the drawing up of a Memorandum of Understanding with partners in the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty before March 2010.

2. Reason(s) for the decision:

2.1. Hampshire County Council has a statutory duty under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 Part IV (CRoW), to prepare and publish Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) management plans, in partnership with other relevant authorities, which formulate policy for the management of each AONB and for carrying out functions in relation to it. The Management Plan under consideration will ensure that Hampshire County Council meets its statutory duties.

3. Other options considered and rejected:

3.1. Option 1: Do not adopt the Management Plan. Rejected as this would leave the County Council in breach of the CRoW Act legislation, and with a high risk of damaging its reputation and leadership in this field.

3.2. Option 2: Further substantial amendment of the Plan. Rejected as substantial amendments are not required by Natural England, and with the modifications recommended by officers the Plan is considered fit for purpose.

4. Conflicts of interest:

4.1. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision-maker: none.

4.2. Conflicts of interest declared by other Executive Members consulted: none.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee: none.

6. Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent: not applicable.

7. Statement from the Decision Maker: