Councils to net power to confirm local nature byelaws

The power to confirm local nature byelaws is to be devolved to local authorities, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has announced.

The change means that councils will be able to make, confirm and revoke bye-laws without obtaining the approval of the Secretary of State for the Environment.

Defra insisted that under the new arrangements thorough consultation will have to take place before decisions are made.

Under s. 21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, local authorities are able to declare nature reserves and make byelaws for their protection. The current regime then requires councils to obtain confirmation from the Secretary of State before the bye-laws come into force.

The change, which will come into force “early next year”, will apply to councils in England only.

“Minister consider that these powers are best exercised by local authorities in consultation with their local communities and interested parties, rather than by central government,” Defra said.