Government reviews governance of National Parks
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has launched a review of the management of England's 10 National Parks as part of its efforts improve the areas they cover and make them “more responsive” to their local communities in areas such as planning control.
The consultation on national park governance, which was published this week, will focus on three areas:
- how to improve the areas that are cared for by the National Park Authorities (NPAs)
- how to make the NPAs more responsive to the concerns of their local communities, whilst continuing to operate within the existing statutory purposes and their budgets; and
- the extent to which different arrangements are appropriate for different NPAs.
Defra said that it will consider proposals for individual parks as well as suggestions that will affect all parks.
Natural environment minister Richard Benyon said: “National Parks are not just beautiful and historic parts of the countryside, but places where people live and work. They are an asset to our country, helping to boost the economy and attract new visitors, businesses and investment. This is a real chance for local communities to have a say in how we should look after our National Parks for everyone to enjoy for years to come.”
John Riddle, chair of the English National Park Authorities Association, said: “‘National Park Authorities have a long history of working closely with the people who live in and near them. Our aim is to support thriving rural communities. We welcome this consultation and are keen to hear everyone’s ideas for how we can further enhance our accountability to all those who value and benefit from national parks."
The consultation closes on 1st February 2011 with a response expected in the spring. he consultation paper can be found here:
www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/nationalpark-governance/index.htm
