The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order)

The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was designated by order under section 87 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 on 26th May 1964; that order was varied on 14 November 1988. The designation and variation orders may be inspected at all reasonable times at the offices of the Countryside Agency, John Dower House, Crescent Place, Cheltenham GL50 3RA.

This Order, which is made under Part IV of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, establishes the Conservation Board for the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (“the Board”) (article 3).

Part II of the Order (articles 3 to 24) makes provision for the constitution and administration of the Board, including provision concerning: membership of the Board (articles 4 to 15 and Schedules 1 and 2); meetings and proceedings of the Board (article 16 and Schedule 3); committees, sub-committees, and staff (article 17); and the chief officer (article 18).

Part III of the Order (article 25) provides for certain countryside functions of local authorities, so far as relating to the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, to be exercisable concurrently by the local authority concerned and by the Board. These functions include provisions relating to: the regulation of commons, the making of byelaws for the regulation of open spaces and for the preservation of order and prevention of damage, the establishment of nature reserves, the provision of country parks camping and picnic sites, the signposting of footpaths and bridleways, and the protection of ancient monuments.

Part IV of the Order (articles 26 to 36) provides for incidental, supplemental, consequential and transitional provisions including the transfer of staff (Schedule 4).

A full regulatory impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as it has no impact on the cost of business.