National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949

F1 Part I E+W The National Parks Commission

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Pt. I repealed (1.4.2013) by The Natural Resources Body for Wales (Functions) Order 2013 (No. 755), arts. 1(2), 8(2)(c) (with Sch. 7)

Part II E+W National Parks

[F2 4A Application of Part II of this Act in Wales. E+W

(1) The provisions of this Part of this Act shall, subject to the next following subsection, apply to land in Wales as they apply to land in England.

(2) Where a provision of this Part of this Act confers a function on the [F3 Natural England] as respects England (or areas of any description in England), the [F4 Natural Resources Body for Wales] shall have the corresponding function as respects Wales (or areas of a similar description in Wales).]

Textual Amendments

F2 S. 4A inserted (1.4.1991) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 130(1), Sch. 8 para. 1(4); S.I. 1991/685, art. 3

F3 Words in s. 4A(2) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 9; S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F4 Words in s. 4A(2) substituted (1.4.2013) by The Natural Resources Body for Wales (Functions) Order 2013 (No. 755), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 16 (with Sch. 7)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 4A applied (1.4.2001 for E. and 1.5.2001 for W.) by 2000 c. 37, s. 84(3) (with s. 84(4)-(6)); S.I. 2001/114, art. 2(2)(e); S.I. 2001/1410, art. 2(g)

5 National Parks. E+W

[F5 (1) The provisions of this Part of this Act shall have effect for the purpose—

(a) of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the areas specified in the next following subsection; and

(b) of promoting opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of those areas by the public.]

(2) The said areas are those extensive tracts of country in England F6 . . . as to which it appears to [F7 Natural England] that by reason of—

(a) their natural beauty, and

(b) the opportunities they afford for open-air recreation, having regard both to their character and to their position in relation to centres of population,

it is especially desirable that the necessary measures shall be taken for the purposes mentioned in the last foregoing subsection.

(3) The said areas, as for the time being designated by order made by [F8 Natural England] and submitted to and confirmed by the Minister, shall be as known as, and are hereinafter referred to as, National Parks.

Textual Amendments

F5 S. 5(1) substituted (19.9.1995) by 1995 c. 25, ss. 61(1)(2), 125(2) (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117, Sch. 8 para. 7)

F6 Words in s. 5(2) repealed (1.4.1991) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 130(1), Sch. 8 para. 1(5); S.I. 1991/685, art. 3

F7 Words in s. 5(2) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 10(a); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F8 Words in s. 5(3) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 10(a); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

6 General duties of [F9 Natural England ] in relation to National Parks. E+W

(1) It shall be the duty of [F10 Natural England] F11 ... from time to time, to consider what areas there are in England F12 . . . falling within subsection (2) of the last foregoing section, to determine in what order they should be designated under subsection (3) of that section, and to proceed with their designation at such times as [F10 Natural England] may determine.

(2) The power of the Minister to give directions under section three of this Act shall extend to the giving of directions as to the order and time of designation of the said areas, notwithstanding that the directions may be of a specific character.

(3) As respects areas designated as National Parks, it shall be the duty of [F13 Natural England]—

(a) to consider, generally and in relation to particular National Parks, in what way action needs to be taken under this Act and [F14 the M1 Town and Country Planning Act 1971] for the purposes specified in subsection (1) of the last foregoing section, and to make such recommendations with respect thereto to the Minister and to [F15 National Park authorities and]local authorities as may appear to [F13 Natural England ] to be necessary or expedient, and

(b) to keep under review the progress made from time to time in accomplishing the said purposes and to make to the Minister or, where [F13 Natural England] deem it appropriate, to any other Minister or any [F15 National Park authority]local authority or other persons, such representations as appear to [F13 Natural England] to be necessary or expedient as to any matter affecting the accomplishment of those purposes.

(4) Without prejudice to the generality of the last foregoing subsection, it shall be the duty of [F16 Natural England], subject to and in accordance with the following provisions of this Act in that behalf—

F17 (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F18

F19 (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F20

(e) to give advice where any Minister consults [F16 Natural England] as to proposals for development of land in a National Park, or the appropriate planning authority consult them (whether in compliance with a requirement imposed under this Act or [F14 the M2 Town and Country Planning Act 1971] or otherwise) in connection with the preparation or amendment of a development plan or in connection with an application for permission to develop any such land;

(f) to make recommendations to the Minister and, where [F16 Natural England ] deem it appropriate, to other Ministers as to any proposals for the development of land in a National Park, being proposals for development in a way which appears to [F16 Natural England] to be inconsistent with the maintenance of the area as a Park;

(g) to notify to the Minister, or where [F16 Natural England] deem it appropriate to other Ministers, the general nature of the action which will in the opinion of [F16 Natural England ] need to be taken as respects land in a National Park for any of the purposes specified in subsection (1) of the last foregoing section, in cases where it appears to [F16 Natural England] that the Minister in question should be informed thereof before considering future proposals for the development of the land for other purposes; and

(h) if in any case [F16 Natural England ] are not satisifed that effect will be given to their recommendations or advice as to any matter mentioned in the foregoing paragraphs of this subsection, to refer the matter to the Minister and to advise the Minister as to the exercise of any powers of direction or enforcement (including powers of making orders) conferred on him by this Act or [F14 the M3 Town and Country Planning Act 1971].

(5) Nothing in this section shall be construed as modifying the effect of any provision of this Act whereby any specific power or duty is conferred or imposed on [F21 Natural England ] or whereby an obligation is imposed on any other person to consult with [F21 Natural England ].

(6) In this section the expression “appropriate planning authority”means [F22 a National Park authority]. . .and includes a local authority, not being a local planning authority, by whom any powers of a local planning authority as respects a National Park are exercisable, whether under the following provisions of this Act in that behalf or otherwise; and references in this section to a Minister include references to any Board in charge of a Government department.

Textual Amendments

F9 Words in s. 6 substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 11(4); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F10 Words in s. 6(1) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 10(b); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F11 Words in s. 6(1) repealed (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 11(2), Sch. 12; S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F12 Words in s. 6(1) repealed (1.4.1991) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 130(1), Sch. 8 para. 1(5); S.I. 1991/685, art. 3

F13 Words in s. 6(3) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 10(b); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F14 Words substituted by virtue of Town and Country Planning Act 1971 (c. 78, SIF 123:1), Sch. 24 para. 2

F15 Words in s. 6(3)(a)(b) inserted (23.11.1995) by 1995 c. 25, s. 78, Sch. 10 para. 2(1)(a) (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117, Sch. 8 para. 7); S.I. 1995/2950, art. 2

F16 Words in s. 6(4) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 10(b); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F17 S. 6(4)(a) repealed (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 11(3), Sch. 12; S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F18 S. 6(4)(b) repealed by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), Sch. 5

F19 S. 6(4)(c) repealed (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 11(3), Sch. 12; S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F20 S. 6(4)(d) repealed by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), Sch. 5

F21 Words in s. 6(5) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 10(b); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F22 Words in s. 6(6) inserted (23.11.1995) by 1995 c. 25, s. 78, Sch. 10 para. 2(1)(a) (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117, Sch. 8 para. 7); S.I. 1995/2950, art. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 S. 6(4)(e) applied (with modifications)(1.4.2001 for E. and 1.5.2001 for W.) by 2000 c. 37, s. 84(1)(a)(2) (with s. 84(4)-(6)); S.I. 2001/114, art. 2(2)(e); S.I. 2001/1410, art. 2(g)

Marginal Citations

M1 1971 c. 78.(123:1).

M2 1971 c. 78.(123:1).

M3 1971 c. 78.(123:1).

7 Designation and variation of National Parks. E+W

(1) Before making an order designating a National Park [F23 Natural England] shall consult with every joint planning board, [F24 and local authority] whose area includes any land in the area to be designated a Park.

(2) Any such order shall describe the area to be designated a Park by reference to a map and such other descriptive matter as may appear to [F25 Natural England] to be requisite.

(3) The provisions in that behalf of the First Schedule to this Act shall have effect as to the making, confirmation, coming into operation and validity of any order designating a National Park.

(4) The Minister may by order made after consultation with [F26 Natural England] vary an order designating a National Park.

(5) Before making an order under the last foregoing subsection the Minister shall consult with [F27 any National Park authority for the Park in question and with] every such board and council as aforesaid whose area, or any part of whose area, is comprised in the National Park, whether as existing or as proposed to be varied; and the provisions in that behalf of the First Schedule to this Act shall apply to any order under the last foregoing subsection.

(6) It shall be the duty of [F28 Natural England] to secure that copies of any order such as is mentioned in this section shall be available, at the office of [F28 Natural England], at the offices of each joint planning board and local authority specified in subsection (1) or subsection (5) of this section, as the case may be [F29 at the offices (where the order is for the variation of an order designating a Park) of any National Park authority for the Park in question], and at such other place or places in or near the Park in question as [F28 Natural England] may determine, for inspection by the public at all reasonable times.

[F30 (7) In this section and Schedule 1 “ local authority ” means—

(a) in relation to England, a county council, district council or parish council;

(b) in relation to Wales, a county council, county borough council or community council.]

Textual Amendments

F23 Words in s. 7(1) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16) , s. 107 , Sch. 11 para. 10(c) ; S.I. 2006/2541 , art. 2 (with Sch. )

F24 Words in s. 7(1) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16) , ss. 60(2) , 107(3)(b) ; S.I. 2006/2541 , art. 2 (with Sch. )

F25 Words in s. 7(2) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16) , s. 107 , Sch. 11 para. 10(c) ; S.I. 2006/2541 , art. 2 (with Sch. )

F26 Words in s. 7(4) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16) , s. 107 , Sch. 11 para. 10(c) ; S.I. 2006/2541 , art. 2 (with Sch. )

F27 Words in s. 7(5) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 25 , s. 78 , Sch. 10 para. 2(2)(a) (with ss. 7(6) , 115 , 117 , Sch. 8 para. 7 ); S.I. 1995/2950 , art. 3

F28 Words in s. 7(6) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16) , s. 107 , Sch. 11 para. 10(c) ; S.I. 2006/2541 , art. 2 (with Sch. )

F29 Words in s. 7(6) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 25 , s. 78 , Sch. 10 para. 2(2)(b) (with ss. 7(6) , 115 , 117 , Sch. 8 para. 7 ); S.I. 1995/2950 , art. 3

F30 S. 7(7) inserted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16) , ss. 60(3) , 107(3)(b) ; S.I. 2006/2541 , art. 2 (with Sch. )

8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F31 E+W

Textual Amendments

F31 S. 8 repealed and superseded by Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70, SIF 81:1), s. 184(6), Sch. 17 Pt. I, Sch. 30

9 Development plans relating to National Parks. E+W

(1) In preparing a development plan, or proposals for any alterations of or additions to a development plan, for any area being or including the whole or any part of a National Park, [F32 the authority or authorities who are required to prepare the plan or, as the case may be, who are entitled to alter or add to it] shall consult with [F33 Natural England] and take into consideration any observations made by [F33 Natural England].

F34 ( 2 ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F32 Words in s. 9(1) substituted (23.11.1996) by 1995 c. 25, s. 78, Sch. 10 para. 2(3) (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117, Sch. 8 para. 7); S.I. 1995/2950, art. 2

F33 Words in s. 9(1) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 10(d); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F34 S. 9(2) repealed (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), ss. 60(4), 107(3)(b), Schs. 12; S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch. )

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 S. 9 applied (1.4.2001 for E. and 1.5.2001 for W.) by 2000 c. 37 , s. 84(1)(b) (with s. 84(4)-(6) ); S.I. 2001/114 , art. 2(2)(e) ; S.I. 2001/1410 , art. 2(g)

10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F35 E+W

Textual Amendments

F35 S. 10 repealed by Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70, SIF 81:1), Sch. 30

F36 11

• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F36 S. 11 repealed (1.4.1997) by 1995 c. 25, s. 120(3), Sch. 24 (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117); S.I. 1996/2560, art. 2, Sch.

[F37 11A Duty of certain bodies and persons to have regard to the purposes for which National Parks are designated. E+W

(1) A National Park authority, in pursuing in relation to the National Park the purposes specified in subsection (1) of section five of this Act, shall seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the National Park F38 ... and shall for that purpose co-operate with local authorities and public bodies whose functions include the promotion of economic or social development within the area of the National Park.

(2) In exercising or performing any functions in relation to, or so as to affect, land in a National Park, any relevant authority shall have regard to the purposes specified in subsection (1) of section five of this Act and, if it appears that there is a conflict between those purposes, shall attach greater weight to the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area comprised in the National Park.

(3) For the purposes of this section “relevant authority” means—

(a) any Minister of the Crown,

(b) any public body,

(c) any statutory undertaker, or

(d) any person holding public office.

(4) In subsection (3) of this section—

• “public body” includes—

  (a)

  any local authority, joint board or joint committee;

  (b)

  any National Park authority;

• “public office” means—

  (a)

  an office under Her Majesty;

  (b)

  an office created or continued in existence by a public general Act of Parliament; or

  (c)

  an office the remuneration in respect of which is paid out of money provided by Parliament.

(5) In subsection (4) of this section, “joint board” and “joint committee” mean—

(a) a joint or special planning board for a National Park reconstituted by order under paragraph 1 or 3 of Schedule 17 to the M4 Local Government Act 1972, or a joint planning board within the meaning of section 2 of the M5 Town and Country Planning Act 1990;

(b) a joint committee appointed under section 102(1)(b) of the M6 Local Government Act 1972.

(6) In this section, “local authority”—

(a) in relation to England, means a county council, district council or parish council;

(b) in relation to Wales, means a county council, county borough council, F39 . . . or community council.]

Textual Amendments

F37 S. 11A added (19.9.1995) by 1995 c. 25, ss. 62, 125(2) (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117, Sch. 8 para. 7)

F38 Words in s. 11A(1) repealed (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), ss. 62, 107(3)(b), Sch. 12; S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2, Sch.

F39 Words in s. 11A(6)(b) repealed (1.4.1997) by 1995 c. 25, s. 120(3), Sch. 24 (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117); S.I. 1996/2560, art. 2, Sch.

Marginal Citations

M4 1972 c. 70.

M5 1990 c. 8.

M6 1972 c. 70.

12 Provision of accommodation, meals, refreshments, camping sites and parking places. E+W

(1) A local planning authority whose area consists of or includes the whole or any part of a National Park may make arrangements for securing the [F40 provision for] their area (whether by the authority or by other persons)—

(a) of accommodation, meals and refreshments (including intoxicating liquor);

(b) or camping sites; and

(c) of parking places and means of access thereto and egress therefrom,

and may for the purposes of such arrangements erect such buildings and carry out such work as may appear to them to be necessary or expedient:

Provided that a local planning authority shall not under this section provide accommodation, meals or refreshments except in so far as it appears to them that the facilities therefor are inadequate or unsatisfactory, either generally or as respects any description of accommodation, meals or refreshments, as the case may be.

F41 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) The foregoing provisions of this section shall not authorise an authority, on land in which any other person has an interest, without his consent to do anything which apart from this section would be actionable at his suit by virtue of that interest.

(4) A local planning authority may acquire land compulsorily for the purpose of any of their functions under this section.

Textual Amendments

F40 Words in s. 12(1) substituted (23.11.1995) by 1995 c. 25, s. 78, Sch. 10 para. 2(4) (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117, Sch. 8 para. 7); S.I. 1995/2950, art. 2

F41 S. 12(2) repealed (1.4.1997) by 1995 c. 25, s. 120(3), Sch. 24 (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117); S.I. 1996/2560, art. 2, Sch.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4 S. 12(1) extended by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), s. 12(1)(2)

S. 12 extended (19.9.1995) by 1995 c. 25, ss. 68(4), 125(2) (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117, Sch. 8 para. 7)

13 Improvement of waterways for purposes of open-air recreation. E+W

(1) A local planning authority whose area consists of or includes the whole or any part of a National Park may, as respects any waterway in the Park F42 . . ., carry out such work and do such other things as may appear to them necessary or expedient for facilitating the use of the waterway by the public for sailing, boating, bathing [F43 or fishing or other forms of recreation]:

Provided that a local planning authority shall not under this section provide facilities of any description except in cases where it appears to them that the facilities of that description are inadequate or unsatisfactory.

(2) A local planning authority may, as respects any waterway in their area, enter into an agreement, on such terms as to payment or otherwise as may be specified in the agreement, with any other authority on whom powers of carrying out work are conferred in relation to the waterway by or under any enactment, for the exercise by the said other authority of any power of doing work conferred on the local planning authority by the last foregoing subsection.

(3) Where an agreement is made under the last foregoing subsection for the exercise of any power by any such authority, other than a local planning authority, as is therein mentioned, no limitation imposed by law on the capacity of that authority by virtue of the constitution thereof shall operate so as to prevent the authority from exercising that power.

(4) Where it appears to the Minister, as respects a waterway in the area of a local planning authority, that any power of doing work conferred on the authority by subsection (1) of this section should be exercised by any such other authority as is mentioned in subsection (2) of this section, and the local planning authority have not entered into an agreement with the said other authority under the said subsection (2), the Minister may direct that the said power shall be exercisable by the said other authority:

Provided that no direction shall be given under this subsection except after consultation with the local planning authority and the said other authority.

(5) Before exercising any power conferred by or under this section an authority shall consult with such other authorities, being authorities which under any enactment have functions relating to the waterway in question, as the Minister may either generally or in any particular case direct.

(6) Where any authority consulted under the last foregoing subsection objects to a proposed exercise of powers under this section, and the objection is not withdrawn, the proposal shall not be proceeded with unless on an application in that behalf specifying the proposal and the objection the Minister so directs, and subject to any conditions or modifications specified in the direction; and before giving a direction under this subsection the Minister shall afford to each of the authorities an opportunity of being heard by a person appointed by him for the purpose, and shall consider that person’s report.

(7) The foregoing provisions of this section shall not authorise an authority to do anything on land, or as respects water over land, in which any other person has an interest, if apart from this section the doing thereof would be actionable at his suit by virtue of that interest and he does not consent to the doing thereof:

Provided that this subsection shall not apply in the case of land to which, or to water over which, the public have access by virtue of an access order under Part V of this Act, but the exercise of any power under the foregoing provisions of this section as respects such land shall be subject to the provisions in that behalf of the said Part V.

(8) A local planning authority may acquire land compulsorily for the purpose of enabling any power conferred by or under this section to be exercised.

Textual Amendments

F42 Words in s. 13(1) repealed (1.4.1997) by 1995 c. 25, s. 120(3), Sch. 24 (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117); S.I. 1996/2560, art. 2, Sch.

F43 Words substituted by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), s. 12(6)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5 S. 13(1) extended by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), s. 12(6)

C6 S. 13(2)-(4) extended by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), s. 12(7)

14 Acquisition by Minister of land in National Parks. E+W

(1) Where, as respects any land in a National Park, the Minister is satisfied that it is expedient so to do, he may with the consent of the Treasury acquire the land by agreement, whether by way of purchase, lease or exchange.

(2) Unless in any particular case the Minister otherwise determines, any land acquired by the Minister under this section shall be transferred to such other persons on such trusts or subject to such conditions as may appear to him expedient for securing that the land will be managed in a suitable manner for accomplishing the purposes specified in subsection (1) of section five of this Act.

(3) Subject to the provisions of the last foregoing subsection, the transfer of land under that subsection may be on such terms as to payment or otherwise as may, with the consent of the Treasury, be provided for by the arrangements for the transfer; and where the arrangements so provide the Minister may defray or contribute to the cost of managing the land while it is managed in accordance with the trusts or conditions referred to in the last foregoing subsection.

(4) The Minister may defray the cost of managing any land acquired by him under this section and not transferred to other persons.

Part III E+W+S Nature Conservation

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7 Pt. III extended by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), s. 15(7)

[F44 15 Meaning of “nature reserve.” E+W+S

(1) In this Part, “ nature reserve ” means—

(a) land managed solely for a conservation purpose, or

(b) land managed not only for a conservation purpose but also for a recreational purpose, if the management of the land for the recreational purpose does not compromise its management for the conservation purpose.

(2) Land is managed for a conservation purpose if it is managed for the purpose of—

(a) providing, under suitable conditions and control, special opportunities for the study of, and research into, matters relating to the fauna and flora of Great Britain and the physical conditions in which they live, and for the study of geological and physiographical features of special interest in the area, or

(b) preserving flora, fauna or geological or physiographical features of special interest in the area,

or for both those purposes.

[F45 (2A) In subsection (2)(b) the reference to preserving flora or fauna includes enabling or facilitating its recovery or increase.]

(3) Land is managed for a recreational purpose if it is managed for the purpose of providing opportunities for the enjoyment of nature or for open-air recreation.]

Textual Amendments

F44 S. 15 substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 12; S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F45 S. 15(2A) inserted (E.W.S) (16.8.2012) by The Conservation of Habitats and Species (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1927), regs. 1(1), 26; The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2012 (S.S.I. 2012/228), regs. 1(1), 7

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C8 In s. 15 definition of "nature reserves" applied (S.) (1.4.1992) by Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991 (c. 28, SIF 46:1), s. 4(7); S.I. 1991/2633, art.4

[F46 15A Meaning of [F47 appropriate conservation body]. E+W+S

[F48 (1)] In this Part of this Act [F49 references to the appropriate conservation body are references]—

(a) in relation to land in England, to [F50 Natural England ];

(b) in relation to land in Scotland, to [F51 Scottish Natural Heritage] for Scotland; and

(c) in relation to land in Wales, to the [F52 Countryside Council for Wales][F52 Natural Resources Body for Wales]]

[F53 (2) In this Part of this Act—

(a) “ nature reserve agreement ” means an agreement under section 7 of the 2006 Act [F54 or section 16 of the 2016 Act] for securing that land which it appears expedient in the national interest should be managed as a nature reserve shall be so managed, [F55 and ]

(b) “ the 2006 Act ” means the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. ]

[F56 (c) “the 2016 Act” means the Environment (Wales) Act 2016.]

Textual Amendments

F46 S. 15A inserted (1.4.1991) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 132(1)(a), Sch. 9 para. 1(2); S.I. 1991/685, art. 3

F47 Words in s. 15A substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 13(5); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F48 S. 15A(1): s. 15A renumbered as s. 15A(1) (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 13(2); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F49 Words in s. 15A(1) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 13(3)(a); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F50 Words in s. 15A(1)(a) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 13(3)(b); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F51 Words in s. 15A(b) substituted (1.4.1992) by Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991 (c. 28, SIF 46:1), s. 4(6), Sch. 2 para. 1(2); S.I. 1991/2633, art. 4

F52 Words in s. 15A(1)(c) substituted (E.W.) (1.4.2013) by The Natural Resources Body for Wales (Functions) Order 2013 (No. 755), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 16 (with Sch. 7)

F53 S. 15A(2) inserted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 13(4); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F54 Words in s. 15A(2)(a) inserted (E.W.) (21.5.2016) by Environment (Wales) Act 2016 (anaw 3), s. 88(2)(a), Sch. 2 para. 1(2)(a)(i)

F55 Word in s. 15A(2)(a) omitted (E.W.) (21.5.2016) by virtue of Environment (Wales) Act 2016 (anaw 3), s. 88(2)(a), Sch. 2 para. 1(2)(a)(ii)

F56 S. 15A(2)(c) inserted (E.W.) (21.5.2016) by Environment (Wales) Act 2016 (anaw 3), s. 88(2)(a), Sch. 2 para. 1(2)(b)

16 [F57 Agreements for management of nature reserves in Scotland and Wales] E+W+S

(1) [F58 [F59 The [F60 Natural Resources Body for Wales] [F59 A Welsh local authority]] or Scottish Natural Heritage] may enter into an agreement with every owner, lessee and occupier of any land, being land as to which it appears to [F61 the [F60 [F62 Natural Resources Body for Wales] [F62 Welsh local authority]] or (as the case may be) Scottish Natural Heritage] expedient in the national interest that it should be managed as a nature reserve, for securing that it shall be so managed.

[F63 (1A) The power of a Welsh local authority in subsection (1)—

(a) is also exercisable where it appears to the authority that it is expedient in the interests of the locality that land should be managed as a nature reserve;

(b) is exercisable only in relation to land in the authority's area that is not held by, or managed in accordance with an agreement entered into with, the Natural Resources Body for Wales.]

(2) Any such agreement may impose such restrictions as may be expedient for the purposes of the agreement on the exercise of rights over the land by the persons who can be bound by the agreement.

(3) Any such agreement—

(a) may provide for the management of the land in such manner, the carrying out thereon of such work and the doing thereon of such other things as may be expedient for the purposes of the agreement;

(b) may provide for any of the matters mentioned in the last foregoing paragraph being carried out, or for the cost thereof being defrayed, either by the said owner or other persons, or by [F64 [F65 the [F60 Natural Resources Body for Wales] [F65 a Welsh local authority]] or (as the case may be) Scottish Natural Heritage] or partly in one way and partly in another;

(c) may contain such other provisions as to the making of payments by [F66 [F67 the [F60 Natural Resources Body for Wales] [F67 a Welsh local authority]] or (as the case may be) Scottish Natural Heritage] and in particular for the payment by them of compensation for the effect of the restrictions mentioned in the last foregoing subsection, as may be specified in the agreement.

(4) Section two of the M7 Forestry Act 1947 (which empowers tenants for life and other limited owners to enter into forestry dedication covenants) shall apply to any such agreement; and where section seventy-nine of the M8 Law of Property Act 1925 (which provides that unless a contrary intention is expressed the burden of a covenant runs with the land) applies, subsections (2) and (3) of section one of the said Act of 1947 (which provide for enforcement against persons other than the covenantor) shall apply to any such restrictions as are mentioned in subsection (2) of this section, but with the substitution for references to the Forestry Commissioners of references to [F68 [F69 the] [F60 Natural Resources Body for Wales] [F69 a Welsh local authority]] .

(5) The following provisions shall have effect in the application of this section to Scotland:—

(a) a limited owner of land shall have power to enter into agreements under this section relating to the land;

(b) the M9 Trusts (Scotland) Act 1921, shall have effect as if among the powers conferred on trustees by section four thereof (which relates to the general powers of trustees) there were included a power to enter into agreements under this section relating to the trust estate or any part thereof;

(c) subsection (2) of section three of the M10 Forestry Act 1947, shall apply to an agreement under this section to which an owner or limited owner of land or a trustee acting under the last foregoing paragraph is a party as it applies to a forestry dedication agreement, with the substitution for the reference to the Forestry Commissioners of a reference to [F70 Scottish Natural Heritage].

(d) the expression “owner” includes any person empowered under this subsection to enter into agreements relating to land;

(e) subsection (4) shall not apply.

[F71 (6) In this section a “Welsh local authority” means—

(a) the council of a county or county borough in Wales, and

(b) a National Park authority for a National Park in Wales.]

Textual Amendments

F57 S. 16 heading substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 14(5); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F58 Words in s. 16(1) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 14(2)(a); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F59 Words in s. 16(1) substituted (E.W.) (21.5.2016) by Environment (Wales) Act 2016 (anaw 3), s. 88(2)(a), Sch. 2 para. 1(3)(a)(i)

F60 Words in s. 16 substituted (1.4.2013) by The Natural Resources Body for Wales (Functions) Order 2013 (No. 755), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 17 (with Sch. 7)

F61 Words in s. 16(1) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 14(2)(b); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F62 Words in s. 16(1) substituted (E.W.) (21.5.2016) by Environment (Wales) Act 2016 (anaw 3), s. 88(2)(a), Sch. 2 para. 1(3)(a)(ii)

F63 S. 16(1A) inserted (E.W.) (21.5.2016) by Environment (Wales) Act 2016 (anaw 3), s. 88(2)(a), Sch. 2 para. 1(3)(b)

F64 Words in s. 16(3)(b) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 14(3); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F65 Words in s. 16(3)(b) substituted (E.W.) (21.5.2016) by Environment (Wales) Act 2016 (anaw 3), s. 88(2)(a), Sch. 2 para. 1(3)(c)

F66 Words in s. 16(3)(c) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 14(3); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F67 Words in s. 16(3)(c) substituted (E.W.) (21.5.2016) by Environment (Wales) Act 2016 (anaw 3), s. 88(2)(a), Sch. 2 para. 1(3)(c)

F68 Words in s. 16(4) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 14(4); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F69 Words in s. 16(4) substituted (E.W.) (21.5.2016) by Environment (Wales) Act 2016 (anaw 3), s. 88(2)(a), Sch. 2 para. 1(3)(d)

F70 Words in s. 16(5)(c) substituted (1.4.1992) by Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991 (c. 28, SIF 46:1), s. 4(6), Sch. 2 para. 1(3); S.I. 1991/2633, art.4

F71 S. 16(6) inserted (E.W.) (21.5.2016) by Environment (Wales) Act 2016 (anaw 3), s. 88(2)(a), Sch. 2 para. 1(3)(e)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C9 S. 16 amended (30.1.2001) by 1981 c. 69, s. 28J(13) (as substituted (30.1.2001) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 75(1), 103(2), Sch. 9 para. 1)

C10 S. 16 modified (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (Commencement No.3 and Transitional Provisions) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/2541), art. 3(2), Sch. para. 3

Marginal Citations

M7 1947 c. 21.

M8 1925 c. 20.

M9 1921 c. 58.

M10 1947 c. 21.

17 Compulsory acquisition of land by [F72 conservation body ]for establishment of nature reserves. E+W+S

(1) Subject to the provisions of the next following subsection, where [F73 the appropriate conservation body] are satisfied as respects any land that it is expedient in the national interest that it should be managed as a nature reserve, they may acquire the land compulsorily.

(2) [F74 the appropriate conservation body] shall not acquire any interest in land under the last foregoing subsection unless they are satisfied that they are unable, as respects that interest, to conclude on terms appearing to them reasonable an [F75 nature reserve agreement or an agreement under section 16] containing such provisions as in their opinion are required for securing that the land will be satisfactorily managed as a nature reserve.

Textual Amendments

F72 Words in s. 17 heading substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 16(b); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F73 Words in s. 17(1) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 15(a); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F74 Words in s. 17(2) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 15(a); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F75 Words in s. 17(2) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 16(a); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

18 Compulsory acquisition of land by [F76 conservation body] for maintenance of nature reserves. E+W+S

(1) Where, as respects any interest in land, [F77 the appropriate conservation body] have entered into [F78 a nature reserve agreement or an agreement under section 16] and any breach of the agreement occurs which prevents or impairs the satisfactory management as a nature reserve of the land to which the agreement relates, then without prejudice to any other remedy [F77 the appropriate conservation body] may acquire that interest compulsorily.

(2) Such a breach shall not be treated as having occurred by virtue of any act or omission capable of remedy unless there has been default in remedying it within a reasonable time after notice given by [F79 the appropriate conservation body] requiring the remedying thereof.

(3) Any dispute arising under this section whether there has been such a breach of an agreement as aforesaid shall be determined by an arbitrator appointed by the Lord Chancellor or, in the case of a dispute relating to land in Scotland, by an arbiter appointed by the Lord President of the Court of Session.

(4) F80 . . ., at any stage of the proceedings in any arbitration under the last foregoing subsection relating to land in Scotland the arbiter may, and shall if so directed by the Court of Session, state a case for the opinion of that Court on any question of law arising in the arbitration.

Textual Amendments

F76 Words in s. 18 substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 17(b); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F77 Words in s. 18(1) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 15(b); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F78 Words in s. 18(1) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 17(a); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F79 Words in s. 18(2) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 15(b); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F80 Words in s. 18(4) repealed (31.1.1997) by 1996 c. 23, s. 107(2), Sch. 4; S.I. 1996/3146, art. 3

19 Declarations that areas are nature reserves. E+W+S

(1) A declaration by [F81 the appropriate conservation body] that any land is the subject of [F82 a nature reserve agreement or an agreement under section 16], or has been acquired and is held by [F81 the appropriate conservation body], shall be sufficient evidence, unless the contrary is proved, that the land is subject to such an agreement or has been so acquired and is so held, as the case may be.

(2) A declaration by [F83 the appropriate conservation body] that any land which is subject to such an agreement as aforesaid, or is held by [F83 the appropriate conservation body] is being managed as a nature reserve shall be conclusive of the matters declared.

(3) It shall be the duty of [F84 the appropriate conservation body], where any such declaration has been made and the agreement to which it relates ceases to be in force, or the land to which it relates ceases to be held by the [F84 the appropriate conservation body] or to be managed as a nature reserve, as the case may be, to make a declaration of that fact; and any such declaration shall be conclusive of the matters declared.

(4) [F85 the appropriate conservation body] shall publish notice of any declaration under this section in such manner as appears to them best suited for informing persons concerned.

(5) A document purporting to be certified on behalf of [F86 the appropriate conservation body] to be a true copy of any declaration under this section shall be receivable in evidence and shall be deemed, unless the contrary is shown, to be such a copy.

Textual Amendments

F81 Words in s. 19(1) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 15(c); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F82 Words in s. 19(1) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 18; S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F83 Words in s. 19(2) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 15(c); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F84 Words in s. 19(3) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 15(c); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F85 Words in s. 19(4) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 15(c); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F86 Words in s. 19(5) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 15(c); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C11 S. 19(4)(5) extended by Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (c. 69, SIF 4:5), s. 35(2)

20 Byelaws for protection of nature reserves. E+W+S

(1) [F87 the appropriate conservation body] may, as respects land which is being managed as a nature reserve under an agreement entered into with them or land held by them which is being managed as a nature reserve, make byelaws for the protection of the reserve:

Provided that byelaws under this section shall not have effect as respects any land in a reserve unless a declaration under the last foregoing section is in force declaring that the land is being managed as a nature reserve and notice of the declaration has been published in pursuance of that section.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the last foregoing subsection, byelaws under this section—

(a) may provide for prohibiting or restricting the entry into, or movement within, nature reserves of persons, vehicles, boats and animals;

(b) may prohibit or restrict the killing, taking, molesting or disturbance of living creatures of any description in a nature reserve, the taking, destruction or disturbance of eggs of any such creature, the taking of, or interference with, vegetation of any description in a nature reserve, or the doing of anything therein which will interfere with the soil or damage any object in the reserve;

(c) may prohibit or restrict the shooting of birds or of birds of any description within such area surrounding or adjoining a nature reserve (whether the area be of land or of sea) as appears to [F88 the appropriate conservation body] requisite for the protection of the reserve;

(d) may contain provisions prohibiting the depositing of rubbish and the leaving of litter in a nature reserve;

(e) may prohibit or restrict, or provide for prohibiting or restricting, the lighting of fires in a nature reserve, or the doing of anything likely to cause a fire in a nature reserve;

(f) may provide for the issue, on such terms and subject to such conditions as may be specified in the byelaws, of permits authorising entry into a nature reserve or the doing of anything therein which would otherwise be unlawful, whether under the byelaws or otherwise;

(g) may be made so as to relate either to the whole or to any part of the reserve or, in the case of byelaws made under paragraph (c) of this subsection, of any such surrounding or adjoining area as is mentioned in that paragraph, and may make different provisions for different parts thereof:

Provided that byelaws under this section shall not interfere with the exercise by any person of a right vested in him as owner, lessee or occupier of land in a nature reserve, or in the case of such land in Scotland as limited owner thereof, or with the exercise of any public right of way or of any functions of statutory [F89 undertakers, of a river board or other drainage authority][F89 undertakers, or an internal drainage board] or a district board for a fishery district within the meaning of the M11 Salmon Fisheries (Scotland) Act 1862, or of the Commissioners appointed under the M12 Tweed Fisheries Act 1857. [F90 or with the running of a telecommunications code system or the exercise of any right conferred by or in accordance with the telecommunications code on the operator of any such system.]

(3) Where the exercise of any right vested in a person, whether by reason of his being entitled to any interest in land or by virtue of a licence or agreement, is prevented or hindered by the coming into operation of byelaws under this section, he shall be entitled to receive from [F91 the appropriate conservation body] compensation in respect thereof.

Textual Amendments

F87 Words in s. 20(1) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 15(d); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F88 Words in s. 20(2)(c) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 15(d); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F89 Words from “undertakers” to “board” substituted (E.W.) for words from “undertakers” to “drainage authority” by Water Act 1989, (c. 15, SIF 130), ss. 58(7), 101(1), 141(6), 160(1)(2)(4), 163, 189(4)–(10), 190, 193(1), Sch. 25 para. 13(1), Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58

F90 Words inserted by Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12, SIF 96), Sch. 4 para. 28(1)

F91 Words in s. 20(3) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 15(d); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12 S. 20 amended by British Telecommunications Act 1981 (c. 38, SIF 96), s. 1(2), Sch. 3 para. 10(2)(a)(6), s. 20(2)(3) extended by Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (c. 69, SIF 4:5), s. 35(4)

C13 S. 20(2)(3) applied (30.1.2001) by 1981 c. 69, s. 28R(2) (as substituted (30.1.2001) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 75(1), 103(2), Sch. 9 para. 1)

Marginal Citations

M11 1862 c. 97.(52:2)

M12 1857 c. cxlviii.(52:2)

21 Establishment of nature reserves by local authorities. E+W+S

(1) The council of a county or county borough [F92 or in Scotland [F93 a [F94 general or district] planning authority]] shall have power to provide, or secure the provision of, nature reserves on any land in their area (not being land held by, or managed in accordance with an agreement entered into with [F95 the appropriate conservation body]) as to which it appears to the council expedient that it should be managed as a nature reserve.

(2), (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F96

(4) The foregoing provisions of this Part of this Act shall apply to the provision of nature reserves by local authorities under this section with the substitution for references to [F97 the appropriate conservation body[F98 , the [F99 Natural Resources Body for Wales]] or Scottish Natural Heritage] of references to the local authority and as if the[F100 references in subsection (1) of sections sixteen and seventeen respectively of this Act to the national interest included references] [F100 reference in subsection (1) of section 17 of this Act to the national interest were a reference] to the interests of the locality.

(5) A local authority may, as respects any land which is being managed as a nature reserve by the authority, enter into an agreement with any drainage authority for the exercise by the drainage authority, on such terms as to payment or otherwise as may be specified in the agreement, of any power of doing work exercisable by the local authority under the foregoing provisions of this section.

(6) A local authority shall exercise their functions under this Part of this Act in consultation with [F101 the appropriate conservation body].

(7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F102

Textual Amendments

F92 Words inserted by Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (c. 65, SIF 81:2), Sch. 27 Pt. II para. 100

F93 Words substituted (S.) by Local Government and Planning (Scotland) Act 1982 (c. 43, SIF 81:2), s. 10

F94 Words in s. 21(1) repealed (S.) (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(2), Sch. 14; S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(1)(d), Sch. 2

F95 Words in s. 21(1) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 15(e); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F96 S. 21(2)(3) repealed by Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70, SIF 81:1), Sch. 30

F97 Words in s. 21(4) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 19; S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F98 Words in s. 21(4) omitted (E.W.) (21.5.2016) by Environment (Wales) Act 2016 (anaw 3), s. 88(2)(a), Sch. 2 para. 1(4)(a)

F99 Words in s. 21(4) substituted (1.4.2013) by The Natural Resources Body for Wales (Functions) Order 2013 (No. 755), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 18 (with Sch. 7)

F100 Words in s. 21(4) substituted (E.W.) (21.5.2016) by virtue of Environment (Wales) Act 2016 (anaw 3), s. 88(2)(a), Sch. 2 para. 1(4)(b)

F101 Words in s. 21(6) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 15(e); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F102 S. 21(7) repealed by Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (c. 65), Sch. 29

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C14 S. 21 amended (E.W.) by Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70, SIF 81:1), Sch. 17 para. 34

C15 S. 21 extended (E.W.) (19.9.1995) by 1995 c. 25, ss. 70, 125, Sch. 9 para. 3 (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117, Sch. 8 para. 7)

s. 21 extended (S.)(8.9.2000) by 2000 asp 10, s. 9, Sch. 3 para. 2 (with s. 32); S.I. 2000/312, art. 2

22 Power of drainage authorities to do work in nature reserves. E+W+S

Where [F103 the appropriate conservation body], a local authority or any other person enter into an agreement with a drainage authority for the doing by that authority of any work on land managed as a nature reserve by, or under an agreement with, [F103 the appropriate conservation body] or a local authority, no limitation imposed by law on the capacity of the drainage authority by virtue of the constitution thereof shall operate so as to prevent the drainage authority carrying out the agreement.

Textual Amendments

F103 Words in s. 22 substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 15(f); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C16 S. 22 amended (E.W.) by Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70, SIF 81:1), Sch. 17 para. 34

C17 S. 22 extended (E.W.) (19.9.1995) by 1995 c. 25, ss. 70, 125(2), Sch. 9 para. 3 (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117, Sch. 8 para. 7)

s. 22 extended (S.)(8.9.2000) by 2000 asp 10, s. 9, Sch. 3 para. 2 (with s. 32); S.I. 2000/312, art. 2

23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F104 E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F104 S. 23 repealed and superseded by Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (c. 69, SIF 4:5), s. 28(13), Sch. 17 Pt. I

24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F105 E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F105 S. 24 repealed by Science and Technology Act 1965 (c. 4, SIF 57), Sch. 4

25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F106 E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F106 S. 25 repealed by Nature Conservancy Council Act 1973 (c. 54, SIF 46:1), Sch. 4

26 Application of Part III to Scotland. E+W+S

In the application of this Part of this Act to Scotland the expressions “owner” and “limited owner” have the same meanings as in section three of the M13 Forestry Act 1947.

Marginal Citations

M13 1947 c. 21.

Part IV E+W Public Rights of Way

Ascertainment of footpaths, bridleways and certain other highways E+W

27–35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F107 E+W

Textual Amendments

F107 Ss. 27–35 repealed by Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (c. 69, SIF 4:5), ss. 55(1), 73, Sch. 17 Pt. II

36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F108 E+W

Textual Amendments

F108 S. 36 repealed by Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70, SIF 81:1), Sch. 30

37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F109 E+W

Textual Amendments

F109 S. 37 repealed by Local Government Planning and Land Act 1980 (c. 65, SIF 81:1,2) Sch. 34 pt. III

38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F110 E+W

Textual Amendments

F110 S. 38 repealed by Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (c. 69, SIF 4:5), ss. 55(1), 73, Sch. 17 Pt. II

39–50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F111 E+W

Textual Amendments

F111 Ss. 39–50, 56, 58 repealed by Highways Act 1959 (c. 25), Sch. 25 and London Government Act 1963 (c. 33, SIF 81:1), Sch. 6 para. 70

Long-Distance Routes E+W

[F112 50A Application of Part IV of this Act in Wales. E+W

(1) The provisions of this Part of this Act shall, subject to the next following subsection, apply to land in Wales as they apply to land in England.

(2) Where a provision of this Part of this Act confers a function on the [F113 Natural England] as respects England (or land of any description in England), the [F114 Natural Resources Body for Wales] shall have the corresponding function as respects Wales (or land of a similar description in Wales).]

Textual Amendments

F112 S. 50A inserted (1.4.1991) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 130(1), Sch. 8 para 1(6); S.I. 1991/865, art. 3

F113 Words in s. 50A(2) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 20; S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F114 Words in s. 50A(2) substituted (1.4.2013) by The Natural Resources Body for Wales (Functions) Order 2013 (No. 755), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 19 (with Sch. 7)

51 General provisions as to long-distance routes. E+W

(1) Where it appears to [F115 Natural England], as respects any part of England F116 . . ., that the public should be enabled to make extensive journeys on foot or on horseback [F117 or on a bicycle [F118 not being a mechanically propelled vehicle]] along a particular route, being a route which for the whole or the greater part of its length does not pass along roads mainly used by vehicles, [F115 Natural England] may prepare and submit to the Minister a report under this section.

(2) A report under this section shall contain a map showing the route, defining those parts thereof over which there exists a public right of way, and indicating in each case the nature of that right; and the report shall set out such proposals as [F119 Natural England] may think fit—

(a) for the maintenance or improvement of [F120 any highway along which the route passes and which is a public path, a restricted byway or a way shown in a definitive map and statement as a restricted byway or byway open to all traffic;]

(b) for the provision and maintenance of such new public paths as may be required for enabling the public to journey along the route;

(c) for the provision and operation of ferries where they are needed for completing the route; and

(d) for the provision of accommodation, meals and refreshments along the route.

(3) A report under this section may also include such recommendations as [F121 Natural England] may think fit for the restriction of traffic on existing highways along which the route passes.

(4) Before preparing a report under this section [F122 Natural England] shall consult every [F123 National Park authority,]joint planning board, county council, F124 . . . and county district council through whose [F123 Park or] area the route passes; and it shall be the duty of every such [F123 authority,] board or council to furnish to [F122 Natural England] such information as [F122 Natural England] may reasonably require for the purposes of the report.

(5) A report under this section shall contain an estimate, in such form as the Minister may require, of the capital outlay likely to be incurred in carrying out any such proposals contained therein as are mentioned in subsection (2) of this section, of the annual cost of maintaining any [F125 existing highways falling within paragraph (a) of that subsection] and any new public paths provided for by the proposals, and of the annual expenditure likely to be incurred by local authorities [F126 and National Park authorities] in connection with the provision and operation of ferries, and the provision of accommodation, meals and refreshments, so far as those matters are provided for by the proposals.

[F127 (6) In this section—

• “definitive map and statement” has the same meaning as in Part III of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; and

• “restricted byway” has the same meaning as in Part II of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.]

Textual Amendments

F115 Words in s. 51(1) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 10(e); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F116 Words in s. 51(1) repealed (1.4.1991) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 130(1), Sch. 8 para. 1(7); S.I. 1991/685, art. 3

F117 Words inserted by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), s. 21(2)

F118 Words in s. 51(1) substituted (30.1.2001) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 67, 103(2), Sch. 7 para. 1

F119 Words in s. 51(2) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 10(e); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F120 Words in s. 51(2)(a) substituted (2.5.2006 for E. 11.5.2006 for W.) by Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (c. 37), s. 103(3), Sch. 5 para. 12(2); S.I. 2006/1172, art. 2(g)(iv); S.I. 2006/1279, art. 2(g)

F121 Words in s. 51(3) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 10(e); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F122 Words in s. 51(4) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 10(e); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F123 Words in s. 51(4) inserted (23.11.1995) by 1995 c. 25, s. 78, Sch. 10 para. 2(5)(a)(b)(c) (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117, Sch. 8 para. 7); S.I. 1995/2950, art. 2

F124 Words repealed by Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70, SIF 81:1), Sch. 30

F125 Words in s. 51(5) substituted (2.5.2006 for E. 11.5.2006 for W.) by Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (c. 37), s. 103(3), Sch. 5 para. 12(3); S.I. 2006/1172, art. 2(g)(iv); S.I. 2006/1279, art. 2(g)

F126 Words in s. 51(5) inserted (23.11.1995) by 1995 c. 25, s. 78, Sch. 10 para. 2(5) (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117, Sch. 8 para. 7); S.I. 1995/2950, art. 2

F127 S. 51(6) inserted (2.5.2006 for E. 11.5.2006 for W.) by Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (c. 37), s. 103(3), Sch. 5 para. 12(4); S.I. 2006/1172, art. 2(g)(iv); S.I. 2006/1279, art. 2(g)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C18 S. 51 excluded (24.9.2014) by The Thames Water Utilities Limited (Thames Tideway Tunnel) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/2384), art. 1, Sch. 19 Pt. 1 para. 12

C19 S. 51(2)(a)(5) extended by Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (c. 69, SIF 4:5), ss. 54(6)(7)

52 Approval of proposals relating to a long-distance route. E+W

(1) On the submission to the Minister of a report under the last foregoing section, the Minister shall consider any proposals contained in the report under subsection (2) of that section and may either approve the proposals, with or without modifications, or reject the proposals:

Provided that where the Minister does not propose to approve the proposals as set out in the report he shall, before coming to a determination as to what action to take under this subsection, consult with [F128 Natural England] and such other authorities and persons as he may think fit.

(2) As soon as may be after the Minister determines under the last foregoing subsection either to approve any proposals, with or without modifications, or to reject them, he shall notify his determination to [F129 Natural England] and to every [F130 National Park authority] joint planning board, county council, . . . F131 and county district council whose [F130 Park or] area is traversed by the route to which the report relates.

(3) Proposals approved by the Minister under subsection (1) of this section, either as originally set out in the report or as modified by the Minister, are hereinafter referred to as “approved proposals relating to a long-distance route.”

Textual Amendments

F128 Words in s. 52(1) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 10(f); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F129 Words in s. 52(2) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 10(f); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F130 Words in s. 52(2) inserted (23.11.1995) by 1995 c. 25, s. 78, Sch. 10 para. 2(6) (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117, Sch. 8 para. 7); S.I. 1995/2950, art. 2

F131 Words repealed by Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70, SIF 81:1), Sch. 30

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C20 S. 52 excluded (24.9.2014) by The Thames Water Utilities Limited (Thames Tideway Tunnel) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/2384), art. 1, Sch. 19 Pt. 1 para. 12

53 Ferries for purposes of long-distance routes. E+W

(1) Where approved proposals relating to a long-distance route include proposals for the provision and operation of a ferry, the authority who are the highway authority for either or both of the highways to be connected by the ferry—

(a) shall have power to provide and operate the ferry and to carry out such work and do all such things as appear to them expedient for the purpose of operating the ferry;

(b) may . . . F132 agree with any person or body of persons for the provision and operation of the ferry by him or them and for the making by the highway authority of such contributions as may be specified in the agreement:

Provided that nothing in this subsection shall—

(i)

be construed as conferring on such an authority any exclusive right to operate a ferry;

(ii)

authorise the doing of anything which apart from this subsection would be actionable by any person by virtue of his having an exclusive right to operate a ferry, unless he consents to the doing thereof;

(iii)

authorise the doing of anything on land, or as respects water over land, in which any other person has an interest, if apart from this subsection the doing thereof would be actionable at his suit by virtue of that interest and he does not consent to the doing thereof;

and before carrying out any work in the exercise of powers conferred by this subsection, being work on the bank or bed of any waterway, the highway authority shall consult with such authorities having functions relating to the waterway as the Minister may either generally or in any particular case direct.

(2) A highway authority may acquire land compulsorily for the purpose of any of their functions under paragraph (a) of the last foregoing subsection.

(3)(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F133

Textual Amendments

F132 Words repealed by Local Government Planning and Land Act 1980 (c. 65, SIF 81:1,2) s. 1(7), Sch. 7 para. 1, Sch. 34 Pt. VII

F133 S. 53(3)(4) repealed by Local Government Planning and Land Act 1980 (c. 65, SIF 81:1,2) s. 1(7), Sch. 7 para. 1, Sch. 34 Pt. VII

54 Accommodation, meals and refreshments along long-distance routes. E+W

(1) Where approved proposals relating to a long-distance route include proposals for the provision, along any part of the route, of accommodation, meals and refreshments, any local planning authority through whose area, or in the neighbourhood of whose area, that part of the route passes shall have power to make such arrangements under this section as are requisite for giving effect to the last-mentioned proposals.

(2) The arrangements which may be made by an authority under this section are arrangements for securing, at places in their area convenient for persons using the part of the route in question, the provision, whether by the authority or other persons, of accommodation, meals and refreshments (including intoxicating liquor):

Provided that an authority shall not under this section provide accommodation, meals or refreshments except in so far as it appears to them that the facilities therefor are inadequate or unsatisfactory, either generally or as respects any description of accommodation, meals or refreshments, as the case may be.

(3) For the purposes of arrangements under this section a local planning authority may erect such buildings and carry out such work as may appear to them to be necessary or expedient.

(4) The foregoing provisions of this section shall not authorise an authority, on land in which any other person has an interest, without his consent to do anything which apart from this section would be actionable at his suit by virtue of that interest.

(5) A local planning authority may acquire land compulsorily for the purpose of any of their functions under this section.

55 Variation of approved proposals. E+W

(1) Where proposals relating to a long-distance route have been approved by the Minister under section fifty-two of this Act, [F134 Natural England] may from time to time prepare and submit to the Minister a report proposing any such variation of the approved proposals as [F134 Natural England] may think fit.

(2) Where, as respects any proposals approved as aforesaid, it appears to the Minister, after consultation with [F135 Natural England], expedient that the proposals should be varied in any respect and [F135 Natural England] have not submitted to the Minister a report proposing that variation, the Minister may direct that the proposals shall be so varied.

(3) Subsection (4) of section fifty-one of this Act, and subsections (1) and (2) of section fifty-two thereof, shall with the necessary modifications apply to a report or direction under this section; and subsection (5) of the said section fifty-one shall with the necessary modifications apply to any such report.

(4) Where the Minister approves, with or without modifications, any proposals contained in a report under subsection (1) of this section, or gives a direction under subsection (2) of this section, the proposals for the variation of which the report was made or direction given shall thereafter have effect subject to the provisions of the report or direction; and references in this Act to approved proposals relating to a long-distance route shall be construed accordingly.

Textual Amendments

F134 Words in s. 55(1) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 10(g); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F135 Words in s. 55(2) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 10(g); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C21 S. 55 excluded (24.9.2014) by The Thames Water Utilities Limited (Thames Tideway Tunnel) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/2384), art. 1, Sch. 19 Pt. 1 para. 12

[F136 55A Proposals relating to the English coastal route E+W

(1) Pursuant to the coastal access duty, Natural England may prepare and submit a report under section 51 containing proposals for a route (whether or not the requirements of section 51(1) are satisfied).

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1) it is immaterial whether the route or any part of it is already a route in approved proposals relating to a long-distance route.

(3) In subsections (4) and (5) “preliminary activity” means activity which Natural England considers would facilitate the preparation by it of a report under section 51 pursuant to the coastal access duty.

(4) Where Natural England considers it necessary or expedient for preliminary activity to be carried out as respects any land, it must—

(a) consider whether it would be appropriate for the access authority in relation to that land to carry out any of the preliminary activity, and

(b) if it concludes that it would be so appropriate, take all reasonable steps to enter into an agreement with the access authority for that purpose.

(5) An access authority may, as respects any land in its area, enter into an agreement with Natural England under which the access authority undertakes to carry out preliminary activity.

(6) In this section “the coastal access duty” means the duty imposed on Natural England and the Secretary of State by section 296(1) of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.

Textual Amendments

F136 Ss. 55A-55J inserted (12.11.2009 for specified purposes, 12.1.2010 in so far as not already in force) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 302(1), 324(1)(c), 324(1)(d), 324(2)(d) (with s. 308)

55B Route subject to erosion etc E+W

(1) This section applies in relation to a report under section 51 prepared pursuant to the coastal access duty.

(2) Where Natural England considers that the area through which the route passes is an area to which subsection (3) applies, the report may set out proposals for the route, or any part of it, to be determined at any time in accordance with provision made in the proposals (rather than as shown on a map).

(3) This subsection applies to an area if it is or may be—

(a) subject to significant coastal erosion or encroachment by the sea, or

(b) subject to significant physical change due to other geomorphological processes.

(4) The provision made by virtue of subsection (2) may, in particular, provide for the route to be determined by reference to the edge of a cliff or boundary of a field (as it exists from time to time).

(5) Where the report contains proposals under subsection (2), the map included in the report in accordance with section 51(2) must show the route as determined, at the time the report is prepared, in accordance with those proposals.

(6) Natural England must consult the Environment Agency before exercising its powers under subsection (2) in respect of an area which is or may be—

(a) subject to significant coastal erosion or encroachment by the sea, or

(b) subject to significant physical change due to other geomorphological processes in relation to which the Agency has functions.

Textual Amendments

F136 Ss. 55A-55J inserted (12.11.2009 for specified purposes, 12.1.2010 in so far as not already in force) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 302(1), 324(1)(c), 324(1)(d), 324(2)(d) (with s. 308)

55C Alternative routes E+W

(1) This section applies in relation to a report under section 51 prepared pursuant to the coastal access duty.

(2) The report may include, in relation to the route (“the ordinary route”) or any part of it, a proposal under subsection (3) or (4).

(3) A proposal under this subsection is a proposal for an alternative route which is to operate as a diversion from the ordinary route, or part, during one or both of the following—

(a) any specified period (or periods), and

(b) any period during which access to the ordinary route or part is excluded by reason of a direction under Chapter 2 of Part 1 of the CROW Act (exclusion or restriction of access).

(4) A proposal under this subsection is a proposal for an alternative route which is to operate as an optional alternative to the ordinary route, or part, during any period for which the ordinary route, or part, might reasonably be regarded as unsuitable for use by reason of—

(a) flooding,

(b) the action of the tide,

(c) coastal erosion or encroachment by the sea, or

(d) the effect of any other geomorphological process.

(5) In subsection (3)(a) “specified” means—

(a) specified in, or determined in accordance with, the proposal, or

(b) determined in accordance with the proposal by—

(i) a person specified in the proposal, or

(ii) a person determined in accordance with the proposal, details of whom are notified to Natural England in accordance with the proposal.

(6) Sections 51(2) and 55B apply in relation to an alternative route as they apply in relation to the ordinary route.

Textual Amendments

F136 Ss. 55A-55J inserted (12.11.2009 for specified purposes, 12.1.2010 in so far as not already in force) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 302(1), 324(1)(c), 324(1)(d), 324(2)(d) (with s. 308)

55D Coastal margin E+W

(1) This section applies in relation to a report prepared under section 51 pursuant to the coastal access duty.

(2) The proposals set out in the report may include—

(a) a proposal for any part of the landward boundary of the relevant coastal margin to coincide with a physical feature identified in the proposal,

(b) where those proposals include an alternative route, a proposal for any part of the landward or seaward boundary of the alternative route strip to coincide with a physical feature so identified, or

(c) a proposal for the landward or seaward boundary of any area excluded from any description of excepted land to coincide with a physical feature so identified.

(3) The report must contain—

(a) a map showing the landward boundary of the relevant coastal margin, or

(b) a description of that boundary which is sufficient to identify the relevant coastal margin.

(4) Where a map is contained in a report pursuant to subsection (3)(a), Natural England must provide a person with a relevant interest in affected land, on request, with a copy of that map.

(5) The report must set out such proposals (if any) as Natural England considers appropriate as to the directions to be made by it under Chapter 2 of Part 1 of the CROW Act for the exclusion or restriction of the right of access that would arise under section 2(1) of that Act in relation to any land if the proposals in the report were to be approved.

(6) Before preparing the report, Natural England must (in addition to complying with section 51(4))—

(a) take reasonable steps to consult persons with a relevant interest in affected land,

(b) consult any body of a kind mentioned in section 51(4) in whose Park or area affected land is situated (but which is not required to be consulted under section 51(4)),

(c) consult each London borough council for an area in which affected land is situated,

(d) consult each local access forum for an area in which affected land is situated,

(e) consult the Secretary of State in relation to any interests of defence or national security which may be affected by the proposals which Natural England is minded to include in the report,

(f) consult the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England in relation to any interests in the preservation of any monument, structure or other thing, mentioned in section 26(3)(b) of the CROW Act which may be affected by those proposals, and

(g) consult the Environment Agency in relation to any interests in flood defence, or in the management of the effects of coastal erosion or encroachment by the sea, which may be affected by those proposals.

(7) A body within subsection (6)(b), (c) or (d) must provide Natural England with such information as it may reasonably require for the purposes of the report.

(8) Where the Secretary of State is consulted under subsection (6)(e), the Secretary of State must—

(a) provide Natural England with such information as it may reasonably require as to any exclusion or restriction of the right of access to affected land under section 2(1) of the CROW Act which the Secretary of State proposes to make provision for under section 28 of that Act (defence and national security), and

(b) notify Natural England if the Secretary of State is of the opinion that this information, or any part of it, ought not to be disclosed by it on the grounds of the public interest in defence and national security.

(9) Subject to subsection (10), the report must contain such of the information provided under subsection (8)(a) as Natural England considers relevant for the purposes of the report.

(10) The report may not contain information which Natural England has been notified under subsection (8)(b) ought not to be disclosed by it.

Textual Amendments

F136 Ss. 55A-55J inserted (12.11.2009 for specified purposes, 12.1.2010 in so far as not already in force) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 302(1), 324(1)(c), 324(1)(d), 324(2)(d) (with s. 308)

55E Consideration of reports made pursuant to the coastal access duty E+W

Schedule 1A contains—

(a) provision about the procedure to be followed when a report is submitted under section 51 pursuant to the coastal access duty;

(b) provision which, in relation to such reports, supplements the provision made by section 52.

Textual Amendments

F136 Ss. 55A-55J inserted (12.11.2009 for specified purposes, 12.1.2010 in so far as not already in force) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 302(1), 324(1)(c), 324(1)(d), 324(2)(d) (with s. 308)

55F Directions under Part 1 of the CROW Act E+W

(1) This section applies where approved proposals relating to a long-distance route contain proposals as regards a direction to be made by Natural England under Chapter 2 of Part 1 of the CROW Act for the exclusion or restriction of the right of access that would otherwise arise under section 2(1) of that Act.

(2) Natural England must make the direction in accordance with those proposals.

(3) Subsection (2) is without prejudice to any power Natural England may have to revoke or vary the direction after it is made.

Textual Amendments

F136 Ss. 55A-55J inserted (12.11.2009 for specified purposes, 12.1.2010 in so far as not already in force) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 302(1), 324(1)(c), 324(1)(d), 324(2)(d) (with s. 308)

55G Ferries for the purposes of the English coastal route E+W

(1) This section applies where—

(a) pursuant to the coastal access duty, approved proposals relating to a long-distance route include proposals for the provision and operation of a ferry, and

(b) an approach route to the ferry is not a highway.

(2) The reference in section 53(1) to the highway authority for either or both of the highways to be connected by the ferry is to be read as including the highway authority in whose area the approach route is situated.

(3) In this section “approach route”, in relation to a ferry, means a part of the English coastal route to be connected to another part of that route by the ferry.

Textual Amendments

F136 Ss. 55A-55J inserted (12.11.2009 for specified purposes, 12.1.2010 in so far as not already in force) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 302(1), 324(1)(c), 324(1)(d), 324(2)(d) (with s. 308)

55H Variation pursuant to the coastal access duty E+W

(1) In the case of a report made by Natural England under section 55(1) pursuant to the coastal access duty—

(a) the procedural requirements apply with the necessary modifications, and

(b) section 55(3) does not apply.

(2) The Secretary of State may by regulations provide—

(a) that, in relation to a direction under section 55(2) pursuant to the coastal access duty, the procedural requirements apply with the modifications specified in the regulations, and

(b) that section 55(3) does not apply in relation to such a direction.

(3) The Secretary of State may not make a direction under section 55(2) pursuant to the coastal access duty at a time when there are no regulations under subsection (2) in force.

(4) For the purposes of this section—

• “modify” includes amend, add to or repeal, and “modification” is to be construed accordingly;

• “the procedural requirements” means sections 51(4) and (5), 52(1) and (2), 55D(6) to (10) and 55E, Schedule 1A and regulations under that Schedule.

Textual Amendments

F136 Ss. 55A-55J inserted (12.11.2009 for specified purposes, 12.1.2010 in so far as not already in force) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 302(1), 324(1)(c), 324(1)(d), 324(2)(d) (with s. 308)

55I Temporary diversions E+W

(1) This section applies where Natural England or the Secretary of State gives a direction by virtue of Chapter 2 of Part 1 of the CROW Act which excludes the right of access under section 2(1) of that Act, for any period (“the exclusion period”), in relation to any land over which (or any part of which) the English coastal route or any official alternative route passes.

(2) This section does not apply if the direction by virtue of that Chapter is expressed to have effect indefinitely.

(3) Natural England may give a direction under this section specifying a route (“the temporary route”) which is to apply for the duration of the exclusion period or such part of it as is specified in the direction.

(4) The temporary route specified by Natural England may pass only—

(a) over land which is access land for the purposes of Part 1 of the CROW Act,

(b) over land which, for the purposes of section 1(1) of that Act, is treated by section 15(1) of that Act as being accessible to the public apart from that Act,

(c) along a highway, or

(d) over any other land the owner of which has agreed to the temporary route (so far as it passes over that land).

(5) Natural England must consult the Environment Agency before giving a direction where the temporary route specified passes over land of a type described in subsection (4)(d).

(6) A direction under this section—

(a) must be in writing, and

(b) may be revoked or varied by a subsequent direction under this section.

Textual Amendments

F136 Ss. 55A-55J inserted (12.11.2009 for specified purposes, 12.1.2010 in so far as not already in force) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 302(1), 324(1)(c), 324(1)(d), 324(2)(d) (with s. 308)

55J Interpretation of sections 55A to 55J E+W

(1) In sections 55A to 55I, Schedule 1A and this section—

• “access authority” has the same meaning as in Part 1 of the CROW Act;

• “affected land” means—

  (a)

  land over which the route, or any alternative route, to which the proposals relate passes, and

  (b)

  any other land which—

  (i)

  is relevant coastal margin, or an alternative route strip in relation to such an alternative route, and

  (ii)

  is not excepted land;

• “alternative route” is to be construed in accordance with section 55C;

• “alternative route strip”, in relation to an alternative route, means—

  (a)

  in a case where the proposal for the alternative route has not yet been approved under section 52, the land which would become coastal margin during the operation of that route if the proposals in the report were to be so approved (without modifications), and

  (b)

  in the case of an official alternative route, the land which would become coastal margin during the operation of that route;

• “the coastal access duty” has the meaning given by section 55A;

• “coastal margin” has the same meaning as in Part 1 of the CROW Act;

• “the CROW Act” means the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (c. 37);

• “the English coastal route” means the route secured pursuant to the coastal access duty;

• “excepted land” has the same meaning as in Part 1 of the CROW Act;

• “local access forum” means a local access forum established under section 94 of the CROW Act;

• “official alternative route” means an alternative route which is contained in approved proposals relating to a long-distance route;

• “owner”, in relation to land, means the person who holds an estate in fee simple absolute in possession in the land;

• “relevant coastal margin”, in relation to proposals, means—

  (a)

  in a case where the proposals have not yet been approved under section 52, land which would become coastal margin if the proposals were to be approved (without modifications) under that section (disregarding the alternative route strip in relation to any alternative route), and

  (b)

  in a case where the proposals have been so approved (with or without modifications), land which becomes coastal margin as a result of the proposals having been so approved (disregarding the alternative route strip in relation to any official alternative route).

(2) For the purposes of sections 55A to 55I and Schedule 1A, a person has a relevant interest in land if the person—

(a) is the owner of the land,

(b) holds a term of years absolute in the land, or

(c) is in lawful occupation of the land.

(3) Any power conferred by sections 55A to 55I or Schedule 1A to make regulations includes—

(a) power to make different provision for different cases, and

(b) power to make incidental, consequential, supplemental or transitional provision or savings.]

Textual Amendments

F136 Ss. 55A-55J inserted (12.11.2009 for specified purposes, 12.1.2010 in so far as not already in force) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 302(1), 324(1)(c), 324(1)(d), 324(2)(d) (with s. 308)

Minor Amendments of Law relating to Rights of Way E+W

56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F137 E+W

Textual Amendments

F137 Ss. 39–50, 56, 58 repealed by Highways Act 1959 (c. 25), Sch. 25 and London Government Act 1963 (c. 33, SIF 81:1), Sch. 6 para. 70

57 Penalty for displaying on footpaths notices deterring public use. E+W

(1) If any person places or maintains, on or near any way shown on a definitive map, or on a revised map prepared in definitive form, as a public path or [F138 restricted byway], a notice containing any false or misleading statement likely to deter the public from using the way, he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding [F139 level 1 on the standard scale].

(2) The court before whom a person is convicted of an offence under the last foregoing subsection may, in addition to or in substitution for the imposition of a fine, order him to remove the notice in respect of which he is convicted within such period, not being less than four days, as may be specified in the order; and if he fails to comply with the order he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding two pounds for each day on which the failure continues.

(3) It shall be the duty of a highway authority to enforce the provisions of this section as respects any public path, [F140 restricted byway or byway open to all traffic], for which they are the highway authority; and no proceedings in respect of an offence under those provisions shall be brought except by the authority required by this subsection to enforce those provisions as respects the path or road in question [F141 or by the council of the district [F142 or, where they are not the highway authority, the council of the Welsh county or county borough] in which the notice is placed or maintained].

[F143 (4) In this section—

• “byway open to all traffic” has the same meaning as in Part III of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981;

• “restricted byway” has the same meaning as in Part II of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.]

Textual Amendments

F138 Words in s. 57(1) substituted (2.5.2006 for E. 11.5.2006 for W.) by Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (c. 37), s. 103(3), Sch. 5 para. 13(2); S.I. 2006/1172, art. 2(g)(iv); S.I. 2006/1279, art. 2(g)

F139 Words substituted by virtue of Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), ss. 38, 46

F140 Words in s. 57(3) substituted (2.5.2006 for E. 11.5.2006 for W.) by Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (c. 37), s. 103(3), Sch. 5 para. 13(3); S.I. 2006/1172, art. 2(g)(iv); S.I. 2006/1279, art. 2(g)

F141 Words added by Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70, SIF 81:1), Sch. 21 para. 97

F142 Words in s. 57(3) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 19, s. 20(4), Sch. 6 para. 15(1) (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 para. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1996/396, art. 3, Sch. 1

F143 S. 57(4) inserted (2.5.2006 for E. 11.5.2006 for W.) by Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (c. 37), s. 103(3), Sch. 5 para. 13(4); S.I. 2006/1172, art. 2(g)(iv); S.I. 2006/1279, art. 2(g)

58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F144 E+W

Textual Amendments

F144 Ss. 39–50, 56, 58 repealed by Highways Act 1959 (c. 25), Sch. 25 and London Government Act 1963 (c. 33, SIF 81:1), Sch. 6 para. 70

Part V E+W Access to Open Country

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C22 Pt. V restricted and (in respect of ss. 64-82) amended by London Government Act 1963 (c. 33, SIF 81:1), s. 60(5); restricted by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), s. 16(7), amended ibid., s. 16(4)

Pt. V restricted (prosp.) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 46(2), 103(3) (with s. 43)

59 Provision for public access to open country. E+W

(1) The provisions of this Part of this Act shall have effect for enabling the public to have access for open-air recreation to open country—

(a) to which the provisions of the next following section are applied by an agreement under this Part of this Act (hereinafter referred to as an “access agreement”) or by an order under this Part of this Act (hereinafter referred to as an “access order”),

(b) acquired under this Part of this Act for the purpose of giving to the public access thereto.

(2) In this Part of this Act the expression “open country” means any area appearing to the authority with whom an access agreement is made or to the authority by whom an access order is made or by whom the area is acquired, as the case may be, to consist wholly or predominantly of mountain, moor, heath, down, cliff or foreshore (including any bank, barrier, dune, beach, flat or other land adjacent to the foreshore).

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C23 Definition of “open country” extended by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), s. 16(1)(2)(6)

60 Rights of public where access agreement, order in force. E+W

(1) Subject to the following provisions of this Part of this Act, where an access agreement or order is in force as respects any land a person who enters upon land comprised in the agreement or order for the purpose of open-air recreation without breaking or damaging any wall, fence, hedge or gate, or who is on such land for that purpose after having so entered thereon, shall not be treated as a trespasser on that land or incur any other liability by reason only of so entering or being on the land:

Provided that this subsection shall not apply to land which for the time being is excepted land as hereinafter defined.

(2) Nothing in the provisions of the last foregoing subsection shall entitle a person to enter or be on any land, or to do anything thereon, in contravention of any prohibition contained in or having effect under any enactment.

(3) An access agreement or order may specify or provide for imposing restrictions subject to which persons may enter or be upon land by virtue of subsection (1) of this section, including in particular, but without prejudice to the generality of this subsection, restrictions excluding the land or any part thereof at particular times from the operation of the said subsection (1); and that subsection shall not apply to any person entering or being on the land in contravention of any such restriction or failing to comply therewith while he is on the land.

(4) Without prejudice to the provisions of the last foregoing subsection, subsection (1) of this section shall have effect subject to the provisions of the Second Schedule to this Act as to the general restrictions to be observed by persons having access to land by virtue of the said subsection (1).

(5) For the purposes of this Part of this Act, the expression “excepted land” means land which for the time being is of any of the following descriptions, that is to say—

(a) agricultural land, other than such land which is agricultural land by reason only that it affords rough grazing for livestock;

(b) land comprised in a declaration for the time being in force under subsection (2) of section nineteen of this Act or that subsection as applied by section twenty-one of this Act;

(c) land covered by buildings or the curtilage of such land;

(d) land used for the purpose of a park, garden or pleasure ground, being land which was so used at the date when the relevant access agreement or order was made;

(e) land used for the getting of minerals by surface working (including quarrying), land used for the purposes of a railway (including a light railway) or tramway, or land used for the purposes of a golf course, racecourse or aerodrome;

(f) land (not falling within the foregoing paragraphs of this subsection) covered by works used for the purposes of a statutory undertaking [F145 or a telecommunications code system] or the curtilage of such land;

(g) land as respects which development is in course of being carried out which will result in the land becoming such land as is specified in paragraph (c), (e) or (f) of this subsection;

(h) land to which section one hundred and ninety-three of the M14 Law of Property Act 1925, for the time being applies:

Provided that land which is for the time being comprised in an access agreement or order shall not become excepted land by reason of any development carried out thereon, or any change of use made thereof, if the development or change of use is one for which under [F146 the M15 Town and Country Planning Act 1971] planning permission is required and either that permission has not been granted or any condition subject to which it was granted has been contravened or has not been complied with.

Textual Amendments

F145 Words inserted by Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12, SIF 96), Sch. 4 para. 28(2)

F146 Words substituted by virtue of Town and Country Planning Act 1971 (c. 78, SIF 123:1), Sch. 24 para. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C24 S. 60(5)(a) excluded by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), ss. 16(5), 17(2)

Marginal Citations

M14 1925 c. 20.

M15 1971 c. 78.(123:1)

F147 61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F147 S. 61 repealed (1.4.2001 for E. and 1.5.2001 for W.) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 46(1)(b), 102, Sch. 16 Pt. I; S.I. 2001/114, art. 2(2)(a)(k); S.I. 2001/1410, art. 2(a)(m)

F148 62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F148 S. 62 repealed (1.4.2001 for E. and 1.5.2001 for W.) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 46(1)(b), 102, Sch. 16 Pt. I; S.I. 2001/114, art. 2(2)(a)(k); S.I. 2001/1410, art. 2(a)(m)

F149 63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F149 S. 63 repealed (1.4.2001 for E. and 1.5.2001 for W.) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 46(1)(b), 102, 103(3), Sch. 16 Pt. I; S.I. 2001/114, art. 2(2)(a)(k); S.I. 2001/1410, art. 2(a)(m)

64 Access agreements. E+W

(1) A local planning authority may . . . F150 make an access agreement with any person having an interest in land, being open country, in the area of the authority whereby the provisions in that behalf of this Part of this Act shall apply to the land.

(2) An access agreement may provide for the making of payments by the local planning authority of either or both of the following descriptions, that is to say in consideration of the making of the agreement and by way of contribution towards expenditure incurred by the person making the agreement in consequence thereof.

(3) An access agreement may be made either irrevocably or subject to such provisions for revocation or variation as may be specified in the agreement.

(4) Section two of the M16 Forestry Act 1947 (which empowers tenants for life and other limited owners to enter into forestry dedication covenants) shall apply to an access agreement as it applies to such a covenant.

F151 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6) Where an access agreement is made with one or some, but not all, of the persons having interests in the land to which the agreement relates, the provisions of this Part of this Act shall apply as respects the interests of the persons with whom the agreement is made, and shall continue so to apply notwithstanding any change in the persons entitled thereto, but shall not, as against the person for the time being entitled to any other interest in the land, operate so as to prejudice his rights as owner of that interest, or impose any restriction on him or confer any right against him.

Textual Amendments

F150 Words repealed by Local Government Act 1974 (c. 7, SIF 81:1), Sch. 8

F151 S. 64(5) repealed (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 21, Sch. 12; S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C25 S. 64 amended by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), s. 18.

C26 S. 64(5) applied (1.4.2001 for E. and 1.5.2001 for W.) by 2000 c. 37, s. 84(1)(c) (with s. 84(4)-(6)); S.I. 2001/114, art. 2(2)(e); S.I. 2001/1410, art. 2(g)

Marginal Citations

M16 1947 c. 21.

65 Access orders. E+W

(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, the authority by whom an access order may be made shall be the local planning authority in whose area the land in question is situated; and an order made by such an authority shall be submitted to the Minister and shall not have effect unless confirmed by him.

(2) An access order shall not be made as respects any land—

(a) if an access agreement or access agreements are in force with respect thereto which in the opinion of the authority having power to make such an order adequately secure to the public access to the land for open-air recreation;

(b) where such an agreement or agreements are not in force with respect to the land, unless it appears to the said authority impracticable to secure the making of such an agreement or agreements.

(3) An access order shall contain a map, on such scale as may be prescribed by regulations made by the Minister, defining in such manner as may be so prescribed—

(a) the land comprised in the order, and

(b) so far as appears practicable to the authority making the order, any of the said land which, in the opinion of that authority, is at that time excepted land otherwise than by reason of being agricultural land;

and the order shall also include such descriptive matter, if any, as may be so prescribed or as may appear to the said authority to be requisite for the purposes of the order.

(4) The provisions in that behalf of the First Schedule to this Act shall apply to the making, confirmation, coming into operation and validity of access orders.

(5) Before making an access order in respect of land in a National Park [F152 in England], the local planning authority shall consult with [F153 Natural England]; and where it appears to [F153 Natural England] desirable that such an order should be made in respect of land in a National Park [F152 in England], and the local planning authority have not made an order in respect thereof, [F153 Natural England] may request the authority to make an order accordingly.

[F154 ( 5A ) The preceding subsection shall apply in relation to National Parks in Wales, and the [F155 Natural Resources Body for Wales], as it applies in relation to National Parks in England, and [F156 Natural England]]

(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F157

Subordinate Legislation Made

P1 S. 65 : power exercised by S.I. 1950/1066

Textual Amendments

F152 Words in s. 65(5) inserted (1.4.1991) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4) , s. 130(1) , Sch. 8 para. 1(9) ; S.I. 1991/685 , art. 3

F153 Words in s. 65(5) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16) , s. 107 , Sch. 11 para. 10(h) ; S.I. 2006/2541 , art. 2 (with Sch. )

F154 S. 65(5A) inserted (1.4.1991) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4) , s. 130(1) , Sch. 8 para. 1(9) ; S.I. 1991/685 , art. 3

F155 Words in s. 65(5A) substituted (1.4.2013) by The Natural Resources Body for Wales (Functions) Order 2013 (No. 755) , art. 1(2) , Sch. 2 para. 20 (with Sch. 7 )

F156 Words in s. 65(5A) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16) , s. 107 , Sch. 11 para. 10(h) ; S.I. 2006/2541 , art. 2 (with Sch. )

F157 S. 65(6) repealed by Local Government Act 1974 (c. 7, SIF 81:1) , Sch. 8

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C27 S. 65(3) extended by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1) , s. 17(6)

C28 S. 65(5)(5A) applied (1.4.2001 for E. and 1.5.2001 for W.) by 2000 c. 37 , s. 84(1)(d) (with s. 84(4)-(6) ); S.I. 2001/114 , art. 2(2)(e) ; S.I. 2001/1410 , art. 2(g)

66 Effect of access agreement or order on rights and liabilities of owners. E+W

(1) A person interested in any land comprised in an access agreement or order, not being excepted land, shall not carry out any work thereon whereby the area to which the public are able to have access by virtue of the agreement or order is substantially reduced:

Provided that nothing in this subsection shall affect the doing of anything whereby any land becomes excepted land.

(2) The operation of subsection (1) of section sixty of this Act in relation to any land shall not increase the liability, under any enactment not contained in this Act or under any rule of law, of a person interested in that land or adjoining land in respect of the state thereof or of things done or omitted thereon.

(3) Any restriction arising under a covenant or otherwise as to the use of any land comprised in an access agreement or order shall have effect subject to the provisions of this Part of this Act, and any liability of a person interested in such land in respect of such a restriction shall be limited accordingly.

(4) For the purposes of any enactment or rule of law as to the circumstances in which the dedication of a highway or the grant of an easement may be presumed, or may be established by prescription, the use by the public or by any person of a way across land at any time while it is comprised in an access agreement or order shall be disregarded.

67 Provision of means of access. E+W

(1) An access agreement or order may make such provision as appears expedient for the purposes of the agreement or order for securing that sufficient means of access to the land comprised in the agreement or order will be available for the public while the land is so comprised.

(2) Provision made by an access agreement or order by virtue of this section may be provision for any one or more of the following matters, that is to say—

(a) the improvement or repair of any means of access to the land in existence at the time when the agreement or order is made;

(b) the construction of new means of access to the land;

(c) the imposition of restrictions on the destruction, removal, alteration or stopping-up of any means of access to the land, or the doing of any thing whereby the use of any such means of access by the public would be impeded; and

(d) the maintenance of any such means of access to the land as are mentioned in pargraphs (a) and (b) of this subsection.

(3) No provision made by an access order by virtue of this section shall—

(a) apply to land which is for the time being excepted land, or authorise or require any thing to be done in relation to such land or any means of access thereto;

(b) affect the doing of any thing whereby any land becomes excepted land; or

(c) require, or authorise any person to require, any work to be carried out at the expense of any person interested in the land except as hereafter in this section expressly provided.

(4) Where it appears to the local planning authority in whose area the land is situated that any work is required for giving effect to any such provision of an access agreement or order as is specified in paragraphs (a), (b) and (d) of subsection (2) of this section, the authority may agree with the owner and occupier of the land as to the carrying out of the work, and where it is agreed that it shall be carried out otherwise than by the authority may defray the cost of the carrying out thereof, or may contribute such part of that cost as may be specified in the agreement.

(5) If, in a case falling within the last foregoing subsection—

(a) the local planning authority are unable to make an agreement, or

(b) the owner or occupier fails to carry out within a reasonable period any work which he has agreed to carry out,

the local planning authority, after giving to the owner and the occupier not less than fourteen days’ notice of their intention so to do, may take all necessary steps for carrying out the work; and where, in a case to which paragraph (b) of this subsection applies, the agreement provided that the authority should contribute part of the cost of carrying out the work, the authority may recover the amount of any expenses reasonably incurred by them in carrying out the work, reduced by their contribution under the agreement, from the person by whom under the agreement the cost (apart from the authority’s contribution) of carrying out the work would fall to be borne.

(6) In this section the expression “means of access,” in relation to land, means any opening in a wall, fence or hedge bounding the land or any part thereof, with or without a gate, stile or other works for regulating passage through the opening, any stairs or steps for enabling persons to enter on the land or any part thereof, or any bridge, stepping stone or other works for crossing a watercourse, ditch or bog on the land or adjoining the boundary thereof.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C29 S. 67 amended by Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70, SIF 81:1), Sch. 17 para. 37

68 Power of local planning authority to enforce access. E+W

(1) If any person contravenes the provisions of subsection (1) of the last but one foregoing section, or any such restriction as is specified in paragraph (c) of subsection (2) of the last foregoing section, the local planning authority whose area comprises the land in respect of which the contravention occurred may serve on that person a notice requiring him, within such period as may be specified in the notice, to carry out such work so specified as may appear to the authority to be requisite for remedying the contravention, being work for restoring or re-opening any means of access to the land or for providing new means of access thereto.

(2) If within the period specified in a notice under the last foregoing subsection the person on whom the notice is served fails to comply therewith, the local planning authority may take all necessary steps for carrying out the work specified in the notice and may recover from that person any expenses reasonably incurred by them in carrying it out.

(3) Any person on whom a notice is served under subsection (1) of this section may, at any time within the period specified in the notice for carrying out the work so specified, complain to a court of summary jurisdiction for the [F158 petty sessions area] or place within which the land to which the notice relates is situated—

(a) that the period specified as aforesaid is too short;

(b) that the work specified in the notice, or some of that work, is not requisite for remedying the contravention;

(c) that he has not contravened the provisions or restriction in question; or

(d) that the work specified in the notice, or so much of the work as is requisite for remedying the contravention, has been carried out.

(4) Any summons issued on a complaint under the last foregoing subsection shall be served on the local planning authority.

(5) On any such complaint the court, if satisfied of the grounds of the complaint, may—

(a) extend the period within which the work was required to be carried out by the notice, or

(b) quash the notice as respects the whole or any part of the work specified therein,

as the nature of the complaint may require; but if not so satisfied shall dismiss the complaint.

(6) The Summary Jurisdiction Acts shall apply to the proceedings on any complaint under this section; and any person aggrieved by the decision of the court on any such complaint may appeal to [F159 the Crown Court].

(7) Where a complaint is made to the court under this section, the time between the making of the complaint and the determination thereof, and of any appeal from that determination, shall be disregarded in determining the period within which, in accordance with the notice, the work specified therein is to be carried out.

Textual Amendments

F158 Words in s. 68(3) substituted (27.9.1999) by 1999 c. 22, ss. 76(2), 108(3)(c), Sch. 10 para. 19 (with Sch. 14 para. 7(2))

F159 Words substituted by virtue of Courts Act 1971 (c. 23, SIF 37), s. 56(2) Sch. 9 Pt. I

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C30 S. 68 amended by Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70, SIF 81:1), Sch. 17 para. 37

[F160 69 Suspension of public access to avoid exceptional risk of fire. E+W

[F161 (1)] If, upon application made to the county planning authority by any person interested in land comprised in an access agreement or order, or by any other person appearing to that authority to have a sufficient interest in the matter, the authority are satisfied that, by reason of any exceptional conditions of weather for the time being prevailing, access by the public to the land or any part of it is likely to result in fires occurring on it, the authority may direct that subsection (1) of section 60 of this Act shall not have effect in relation to the land during such period as may be specified in the direction.]

[F162 (2) The reference in subsection (1) of this section to the county planning authority is to be read, in relation to Wales, as a reference to the local planning authority.]

Textual Amendments

F160 S. 69 substituted by Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 (c. 65, SIF 81:1,2) s. 1(3) Sch. 3 para. 7

F161 S. 69(1) renumbered (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 19, s. 20(4), Sch. 6 Pt. II para. 15(2) (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5) Sch. 17 para. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1996/396, art. 3, Sch. 1

F162 S. 69(2) added (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 19, s. 20(4), Sch. 6 Pt. II para. 15(2) (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 para. 22(1), 22(2)); S.I. 1996/396, art. 3, Sch. 1

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C31 S. 69: functions transferred (19.9.1995) by 1995 c. 25, ss. 68(2)(a)(8), 125(2) (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117, Sch. 8 para. 7)

70 Compensation for access orders. E+W

Where the value of the interest of any person in land is depreciated in consequence of the coming into operation of an access order, then subject to the following provisions of this Part of this Act the local planning authority in whose area the land comprised in the order is situated shall pay to that person compensation equal to the amount of the depreciation:

Provided that nothing in this section shall confer on a person a right to compensation for depreciation of an interest in land, being land which is not comprised in the order or if so comprised is excepted land, except if and in so far as either—

(a) it is held with land comprised in the order which is not excepted land, or

(b) the omission of any other person to exclude the public from the land comprised in the order or any part thereof would have been actionable at the suit of the first-mentioned person if the access order had not come into operation.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C32 S. 70 amended by Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70, SIF 81:1), Sch. 17 para. 37.

71 Compensation to be assessed with regard to effect of first five years of access. E+W

(1) For the purpose of enabling compensation under the last foregoing section to be assessed in the light of experience gained of the actual effect on land of the coming into operation of access orders, any such compensation shall not, save as hereinafter provided, be claimed or payable before the expiration of a period of five years from the coming into operation of the order giving rise to the compensation (in this and the next following section referred to as “the relevant order”).

(2) Nothing in the last foregoing subsection shall be construed as requiring such compensation to be assessed as at a date later than the date of the coming into operation of the relevant order; but in calculating the compensation it shall be assumed that, on a sale at that date of the interest in respect of which the compensation is claimed, the purchaser would have had knowledge—

(a) of the actual effect during the said period, on the land in which the said interest subsists and the use of that land, of the coming into operation of the relevant order;

(b) of the fact and date of any revocation or variation during that period of the relevant order;

(c) of the fact and date of any changes during that period, as respects land comprised in the relevant order, from or to excepted land.

(3) If during the said period of five years the relevant order is revoked, or varied so as to exclude from the operation thereof any land not being excepted land, the foregoing provisions of this section shall thereupon have effect, so far as concerns any claim for compensation in respect of the operation of the relevant order as respects the said land, as if for any reference to the said period of five years there were substituted a reference to the period beginning with the coming into operation of the relevant order and ending with the said revocation or variation.

(4) Where at different times within a period of five years two or more parcels of land become comprised in access orders, and any person has an interest in each of those parcels, then, with the consent of every person having an interest in each of the parcels other than the one first so comprised, the foregoing provisions of this section shall apply in relation to each of the last mentioned parcels with the substitution for any reference to the period of five years from the coming into operation of the order by virtue of which that parcel became so comprised as aforesaid of a reference to a period of five years from the coming into operation of the order by virtue of which the first of the parcels became so comprised.

72 Claims for compensation and interest. E+W

(1) Any person claiming to be entitled to an interest in land in respect of the depreciation of which compensation will become payable under the last but one foregoing section may apply to the local planning authority by whom the compensation will be payable to record his claim; and where an application is duly made under this subsection the authority shall record the claim accordingly in such manner as may be prescribed by regulations made by the Minister.

(2) An application under the last foregoing subsection shall be made in such manner and within such period (not being less than three months) after the date when the relevant order came into operation as may be prescribed by regulations made by the Minister, and shall be accompanied by such particulars of the interest in land in respect of which it is made as may be so prescribed:

Provided that nothing in this subsection shall authorise the imposition of any requirement that an applicant under subsection (1) of this section shall state the amount of the compensation.

(3) Within such period as may be prescribed by regulations made by the Minister (not being less than three months) after the end of the period after which under the last foregoing section compensation may be claimed, any person who has applied under subsection (1) of this section for the recording of a claim to compensation, or any person claiming under him in respect of that compensation, may apply to the local planning authority, in such manner as may be so prescribed, for the payment of the compensation.

(4) An application under the last foregoing subsection shall state the amount of compensation claimed by the applicant; and regulations of the Minister made for the purposes of this subsection may require the application to be accompanied by such evidence of the title of the applicant to the compensation as may be prescribed by the regulations.

(5) Any compensation payable under the last but one foregoing section shall become due when, on an application for the payment thereof duly made under subsection (3) of this section, the amount of the compensation has been agreed or, in default of agreement, has been determined in manner hereinafter provided; and any such compensation shall be payable with interest, at such rate as may be so prescribed as aforesaid, from the date on which the relevant order came into operation to the date at which the compensation is paid.

73 Payments on account in cases of special hardship. E+W

(1) At any time during the period after which, under the last but one foregoing section, compensation may be claimed in respect of the coming into operation of an order, a person claiming to be entitled to such compensation may apply to the local planning authority for a payment on account of the compensation on the ground of special circumstances . . . F163 ; and if the authority are satisfied that such circumstances exist they shall make to him a payment on account of the compensation of such amount as they may determine.

(2) Any person aggrieved by the refusal of a local planning authority to make a payment on account under the last foregoing subsection, or by their determination thereunder of the amount of the payment to be made to him, may appeal to the Minister; and the Minister, after affording to the said person and to the authority an opportunity of being heard by a person appointed by the Minister for the purpose, may either confirm the decision of the authority or direct that they shall make a payment on account of such amount as appears to the Minister to be just.

Textual Amendments

F163 Words repealed by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), Sch. 5

74 Application to waterways in National Parks. E+W

The foregoing provisions of this Part of this Act shall apply to waterways in a National Park as those provisions apply to open country.

75 Exercise of powers under s. 13 as respects open country and waterways comprised in access orders. E+W

(1) An access order, whether made in respect of open country or in respect of a waterway, may specify work to be carried out (either at one time or from time to time) on land comprised in the order in the exercise of the powers conferred by section thirteen of this Act.

(2) An authority proposing, in the exercise of the said powers, to carry out any work on land comprised in an access order, whether the work is specified in the order or not, shall give to the owner and occupier of the land not less than fourteen days’ notice of their intention so to do, specifying the work to be carried out.

(3) Where the work specified in a notice given under the last foregoing subsection is not work specified in the access order, then if before the expiration of the notice the owner or occupier of the land serves notice of objection on the authority, the authority shall not carry out the work except in accordance with the provisions of the two next following subsections.

(4) An authority on whom notice of objection has been served under the last foregoing subsection shall afford to the objector an opportunity of being heard by a person appointed by them for the purpose and shall then determine either—

(a) not to carry out the work to which the objection relates, or

(b) to carry out the work, either as originally proposed or with such modifications as the authority may determine,

and shall serve notice of their determination on the objector; and where the authority determine as mentioned in paragraph (b) of this subsection, they may proceed with the work in accordance with the determination at any time after the expiration of fourteen days from the date on which notice of the determination is served on the objector:

Provided that if the objector serves notice of appeal under the next following subsection the authority shall not proceed with the work except in accordance with the provisions of that subsection.

(5) Any person aggrieved by a determination of an authority under the last foregoing subsection may within the period of fourteen days therein mentioned serve notice of appeal against the determination on the Minister and on the authority; and where notice of appeal is served under this subsection the Minister, after affording to the appellant and to the authority an opportunity of being heard by a person appointed by him for the purpose, shall either direct that the authority shall be at liberty to carry out the work (whether as specified in the notice given under subsection (2) of this section or subject to such modifications or conditions as the Minister may think fit) or shall direct the authority not to carry out the work.

(6) Any power conferred by paragraph (b) of subsection (4) of this section or by the last foregoing subsection to modify the work specified in a notice given under subsection (2) of this section shall not be exercised so as to affect land not affected by the notice.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C33 S. 75 amended by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), s. 12(6)

76 Acquisition by local authorities of land for public access. E+W

(1) Where it appears to a local planning authority, as respects any open country in their area, other than excepted land,—

(a) that it is requisite that the public should have access thereto for open-air recreation; and

(b) that in the circumstances it is expedient that such access thereto should be secured by the acquisition of the land by the local planning authority,

the authority may acquire the land compulsorily.

In this subsection the expression “excepted land” includes, in relation to any compulsory purchase, land such that if an access agreement or order had been made at the time when the compulsory purchase order was confirmed the land would by virtue of paragraph (d) of subsection (5) of section sixty of this Act have been excepted land for the purposes of the access agreement or order.

(2) Where, in connection with the acquisition of any land under the last foregoing subsection it appears to the local planning authority that the proper exercise of their functions under this section will be substantially prejudiced unless other land surrounded by the first-mentioned land, or contiguous or adjacent thereto, is acquired therewith, the powers conferred by the last foregoing subsection shall extend to the acquisition of that other land.

(3) A local planning authority may carry out on land acquired by them for the purposes of this section, and for the time being held by them for those purposes, such work as they may consider requisite for providing convenient means of access to the land or otherwise for the said purposes.

(4) While land acquired by a local planning authority under this section is held by them for the purposes thereof, it shall be the duty of the authority so to manage the land as to give to the public access for open-air recreation to so much thereof as appears to the authority to be practicable, having regard to the nature of the different parts of the land, to anything done thereon which may result in danger to the public or to persons employed thereon unless public access to the land or to adjoining land is restricted, and to all other relevant circumstances.

77 Acquisition by Ministers of land for public access. E+W

(1) Where it appears to the Minister, as respects any open country in a National Park, not being excepted Land,—

(a) that it is requisite that the public should have access thereto for open-air recreation; and

(b) that in the circumstances it is expedient that such access thereto should be secured by the acquisition of the land by him,

the Minister may, with the consent of the Treasury, acquire the land by agreement, whether by way of purchase, lease or exchange, or acquire the land compulsorily.

In this subsection the expression “excepted land” includes, in relation to any compulsory purchase, land such that if an access agreement or order had been made at the time when the compulsory purchase order was confirmed the land would by virtue of paragraph (d) of subsection (5) of section sixty of this Act have been excepted land for the purposes of the access agreement or order.

(2) Subsection (2) of the last foregoing section shall apply, in relation to the acquisition of land under the last foregoing subsection, but with the substitution for references to the local planning authority of references to the Minister.

(3) The provisions of subsections (2) to (4) of section fourteen of this Act shall apply to land acquired by the Minister under this section, with the substitution, for the reference in the said subsection (2) to the accomplishment of the purposes therein mentioned, of a reference to the securing of public access for open-air recreation to so much of the land as appears to the Minister to be practicable, having regard to the matters mentioned in subsection (4) of the last foregoing section.

(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F164

(5) [F165 The Secretary of State], may carry out on land acquired by him for the purposes of this section, and for the time being held by him for those purposes, such work as he may consider requisite for providing convenient means of access to the land or otherwise for the said purposes, or may arrange for any such work to be carried out by persons to whom the land is transferred.

Textual Amendments

F164 S. 77(4) repealed by Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 (c. 65, SIF 81:1,2), Sch. 34 Pt. XIII

F165 Words substituted by Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 (c. 65, SIF 81:1,2), Sch. 23 para. 2(2)

78 Maps of land subject to public access. E+W

(1) A local planning authority whose area comprises any land—

(a) which is subject to an access agreement or order, or

(b) has been acquired under either of the two last foregoing sections and is for the time being held for the purpose for which it was acquired,

shall prepare and keep up to date a map, on such scale as may be prescribed by regulations made by the Minister, defining in such manner as may be so prescribed—

(i) the land subject to the agreement or order or the land acquired and held as aforesaid, as the case may be;

(ii) in the case of land subject to such an agreement or order, any land comprised therein which, in the opinion of the authority, is for the time being excepted land, otherwise than by reason of being agricultural land, and which in their opinion it is practicable to define on the map;

(iii) in the case of land acquired and held as aforesaid, any land comprised therein from which, for the purpose of avoiding danger to the public or to persons employed thereon, or because it is excepted land, or for any other reason, the public are excluded, and which in their opinion it is practicable so to define.

(2) An authority who are required by the last foregoing subsection to prepare and keep up to date any map shall, so long as they are required so to do, have copies of the map available for inspection by the public at such places as the authority may determine; and the authority may, if they think fit, display, at places where the public obtain access to the land to which the map relates—

(a) reproductions of the map on an appropriate scale,

(b) notices specifying any restrictions on access to the land or any part thereof, whether the restrictions have effect by virtue of any of the provisions of this Part of this Act or otherwise.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C34 S. 78 extended by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), s. 17(6)

79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F166 E+W

Textual Amendments

F166 S. 79 repealed by Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 (c. 65, SIF 81:1,2), Sch. 34 Pt. III

80 Provisions as to danger areas. E+W

(1) The authority making an access agreement or order shall so delimit the land to which the agreement or order applies as to exclude all land which, by reason of anything done on other land contiguous or adjacent thereto, it appears to the authority expedient to exclude for the purpose of avoiding danger to the public or to persons employed on any of the said land.

(2) Where, while an access agreement or order is in force, the authority by whom the agreement or order was made are satisfied, as respects any land to which the agreement or order applies, that by reason of anything done or proposed to be done on that land or on other land contiguous or adjacent thereto it is expedient for the purpose aforesaid that the first-mentioned land should be excluded from the operation of the agreement or order, the authority shall vary the agreement or order so as to exclude that land.

(3) The fact that an access agreement is expressed to be irrevocable shall not prevent its variation in pursuance of the last foregoing subsection; and where the concurrence of any party to an access agreement other than the said authority, or of the successor in title to his interest, cannot be obtained to the variation of the agreement in pursuance of that subsection, the said authority may by order . . . F167 vary the agreement.

(4) A local planning authority shall have power, as respects any land to which paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section seventy-eight of this Act applies, or as respects land held by the authority to which paragraph (b) of that subsection applies, to take such steps and carry out such work (including the erection and maintenance of fences or notices) as appear to them requisite for protecting the public from any source of danger on the land or on adjoining land.

(5) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of subsection (2) of section sixty-six of this Act, the application of section sixty thereof to any land shall not, in relation to any factory, magazine, store or premises already established, consitute the land an open place of resort for the public, or a public place, for the purposes of the M17 Explosives Acts 1875 M18 and 1923, or any order made or licence granted thereunder.

(6) Notwithstanding anything in the said subsection (2) of section sixty-six of this Act, the application of the said section sixty to any land shall, in relation to any factory, magazine, store or premises subsequently established, constitute the land such a place as aforesaid for the purposes of the said Acts or any such order or licence.

Textual Amendments

F167 Words repealed by Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 (c. 65, SIF, 81:1, 2), Sch. 34 Pt. III

Marginal Citations

M17 1875 c. 17.

M18 1923 c. 17.

81 Boundary notices. E+W

A local planning authority shall have power to erect and maintain notices indicating the boundaries of land comprised in an access agreement or order and of excepted land.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C35 S. 81 amended by Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70, SIF 81:1), Sch. 17 para. 37

82 Power of local planning authority to contribute to work carried out by other persons. E+W

A local planning authority shall have power, as respects any land in their area which is subject to an access agreement or order, to defray or contribute towards, or to undertake to defray or contribute towards, expenditure incurred or to be incurred in relation to the land by any person interested therein in taking such steps or carrying out such work as is mentioned in subsection (4) of the last but one foregoing section, or in erecting and maintaining such notices as are mentioned in the last foregoing section.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C36 S. 82 amended by Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70, SIF 81:1), Sch. 17 para. 37

83 Repeal of 2 & 3 Geo. 6. c. 30. E+W

The Access to Mountains Act, 1939, is hereby repealed.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C37 The text of s. 83 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

Part VI E+W+S General, Financial and Supplementary

84 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F168 E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F168 S. 84 repealed by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), Sch. 5

General powers and duties of Commission E+W+S

85 General duty of [F169 Natural England and the [F170 Natural Resources Body for Wales]] to advise on questions relating to natural beauty. E+W

Without prejudice to [F171 their respective duties] relating to National Parks, it shall be the duty of [F172 Natural England][F173 and the [F170 Natural Resources Body for Wales]]—

(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F174

(b) in circumstances where it appears to the Minister and to [F172 Natural England], or, as the case may be, to the Minister and to the [F170 Natural Resources Body for Wales], desirable that their assistance should be generally available, to inquire into and report on such questions referred to them by any other body of persons or person;

(c) to bring to the attention of the Minister or of local planning authorities the effect on the natural beauty of such areas or places as aforesaid of developments, or developments of any class, which appear to [F172 Natural England][F175 (as respects England) or to the [F170 Natural Resources Body for Wales] (as respects Wales)] to be likely to be prejudicial thereto.

Textual Amendments

F169 Words in s. 85 substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 22; S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F170 Words in s. 85 substituted (1.4.2013) by The Natural Resources Body for Wales (Functions) Order 2013 (No. 755), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 21 (with Sch. 7)

F171 Words in s. 85 substituted (1.4.1991) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 130(1), Sch. 8 para. 1(10)(a); S.I. 1991/685, art. 3

F172 Words in s. 85 substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 10(i); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F173 Words in s. 85 inserted (1.4.1991) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 130(1), Sch. 8 para. 1(10)(b); S.I. 1991/685, art. 3

F174 S. 85(a) repealed by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), Sch. 5

F175 Words in s. 85(c) inserted (1.4.1991) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 130(1), Sch. 8 para. 1(10)(d); S.I. 1991/685, art. 3

86 Information services to be provided by [F176 Natural England]. E+W+S

(1) It shall be the duty of [F177 Natural England] to take such steps as appear to them expedient for securing that persons interested—

(a) will be informed of the situation and extent of, and means of access to, National Parks, other areas, being areas of outstanding natural beauty, and long-distance routes for which proposals under section fifty-one of this Act have been approved, and the accommodation and facilities available for persons wishing to visit National Parks and such other areas or persons wishing to use such routes;

(b) will be able to learn about the history, natural features, flora and fauna of National Parks and the objects of architectural, [F178 archaeological] or historical interest therein and the opportunities for recreation available therein,

and that suitable methods of publicity are used for the prevention of damage in National Parks and such other areas as aforesaid and otherwise for encouraging a proper standard of behaviour on the part of persons visiting National Parks and such other areas; and the said methods shall include the preparation and publication of a code of conduct for the guidance of persons visiting the countryside.

(2) Without prejudice to the provisions of the last foregoing subsection, [F179 Natural England] may for the purposes thereof procure the production and sale to the public of books, guides and maps, the exhibition of posters and other advertisements, the giving of lectures and the provision and exhibition of cinematograph films.

(3) For the avoidance of doubt it is hereby declared that the steps mentioned in subsection (1) of this section include the making of contributions towards expenses incurred by other bodies of persons.

Textual Amendments

F176 Words in s. 86 substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 23; S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F177 Words in s. 86(1) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 10(j); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F178 Word inserted by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), s. 21(4)

F179 Words in s. 86(2) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 10(j); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C38 S. 86 extended by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), s. 12(1)

[F180 86A Information services to be provided by [F181 Natural Resources Body for Wales]. E+W+S

The provisions of section eighty-six of this Act shall apply to the [F181 Natural Resources Body for Wales] in relation to National Parks and other land in Wales as they apply to [F182 Natural England] in relation to National Parks and other land in England.]

Textual Amendments

F180 S. 86A inserted (1.4.1991) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 130(1), Sch. 8 para. 1(11); S.I. 1991/685, art. 3

F181 Words in s. 86A substituted (1.4.2013) by The Natural Resources Body for Wales (Functions) Order 2013 (No. 755), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 21 (with Sch. 7)

F182 Words in s. 86A substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 10(k); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

Areas of outstanding natural beauty E+W+S

F183 87 Designation of areas of outstanding natural beauty. E+W+S

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F183 S. 87 repealed (1.4.2001 for E. and 1.5.2001 for W.) by 2000 c. 37, s. 102, Sch. 16 Pt. V; S.I. 2001/114, art. 2(2)(m); S.I. 2001/1410, art. 2(q)

F184 88 Functions of certain bodies in relation to areas of outstanding natural beauty. E+W+S

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F184 S. 88 repealed (1.4.2001 for E. and 1.5.2001 for W.) by 2000 c. 37, s. 102, Sch. 16 Pt. V; S.I. 2001/114, art. 2(2)(m); S.I. 2001/1410, art. 2(q)

General Powers of Local Planning Authorities E+W+S

89 Planting of trees and treatment of derelict land. E+W+S

(1) A local planning authority may plant trees on land in their area for the purpose of preserving or enhancing the natural beauty thereof.

[F185 (2) Where it appears to a local authority that any land in their area—

(a) is derelict, neglected or unsightly; or

(b) is not derelict, neglected or unsightly but is likely to become so by reason of actual or apprehended collapse of the surface as the result of the carrying out of relevant operations which have ceased to be carried out,

they may carry out, for the purpose of reclaiming or improving that land or of enabling it to be brought into use, such works on that land or any other land as appear to them expedient.

In this subsection “relevant operations” means underground mining operations other than operations for the purpose of the working and getting of coal, or of coal and other minerals worked with coal, or for the purpose of getting any product from coal in the course of working and getting coal.]

(2A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F186

(3) The powers conferred by this section may be exercised by an authority either on land belonging to them or with the consent of all persons interested therein on other land; and in relation to such other land the said powers shall include power to make arrangements whereby the planting or work is carried out, on such terms as may be provided under the arrangements, by a person other than the authority.

(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F187 nothing in [F188 the foregoing provisions of this section] shall authorise the doing of anything in contravention of any prohibition or restriction having effect under any enactment or rule of law.

(5) [F189 A local authority] may acquire land compulsorily for the purpose of any of their functions under this section.

(6) Where a [F189 local authority] exercise their powers under the foregoing provisions of this section on land not belonging to the authority, the management of the land, so far as relates to anything done by the authority, may be undertaken either by the authority or by a person interested in the land, as may be agreed between the authority and the persons so interested, and on such terms as may be so agreed.

[F190 (7) In this section “local authority” means a local planning authority, the council of a county . . . F191 not being a local planning authority, or the council of a county district.]

Textual Amendments

F185 S. 89(2) substituted by Derelict Land Act 1982 (c. 42, SIF 46:4), s. 3(1)

F186 Ss. 89(2A), 90(2) repealed by Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70, SIF 81:1), Sch. 30

F187 Words repealed by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), Sch. 5

F188 Words substituted by Local Authorities (Land) Act 1963 (c. 29, SIF 81:1), s. 6(2)

F189 Words substituted by Local Authorities (Land) Act 1963 (c. 29, SIF 81:1), s. 6(1)

F190 S. 89(7) added by Local Authorities (Land) Act 1963 (c. 29, SIF 81:1), s. 6(4)

F191 Words repealed by Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70, SIF 81:1), Sch. 30

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C39 S. 89 amended by London Government Act 1963 (c. 33, SIF 81:1), s. 60(6)

C40 S. 89(3) excluded by Minerals Workings Act 1985 (c. 12, SIF 86), s. 8(2)

90 Local authority byelaws. E+W+S

(1) A local planning authority may, as respects land in their areas belonging to them and comprised either in a National Park or area of outstanding natural beauty, or as respects land or a waterway to which the public are given access by an agreement or order, or in consequence of acquisition, under Part V of this Act, make byelaws for the preservation of order, for the prevention of damage to the land or waterway or anything thereon or therein, and for securing that persons resorting thereto will so behave themselves as to avoid undue interference with the enjoyment of the land or waterway by other persons.

(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F192

(3) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) of this section, byelaws under that subsection—

(a) may prohibit or restrict the use of the land or waterway, either generally or in any manner specified in the byelaws, by traffic of any description so specified;

(b) may contain provisions prohibiting the depositing of rubbish and the leaving of litter;

(c) may regulate or prohibit the lighting of fires;

(d) may be made so as to relate either to the whole or to any part of the land or waterway, and may make different provisions for different parts thereof:

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F193

(4) Before making bylaws under the foregoing provisions of this section as respects a National Park or area of outstanding natural beauty, [F194 the local planning authority] shall consult with [F195 Natural England][F196 (as regards land in England) or the [F197 Natural Resources Body for Wales] (as regards land in Wales)].

(5) A local planning authority may, as respects parking places provided in pursuance of arrangements made by them under Part II of this Act, make byelaws as to the conditions of use, and charges to be made for the use, of such parking places, and for prohibiting or restricting persons from plying for hire with vehicles at such parking places.

Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as limiting the general power of a local planning authority to make charges for any services or facilities provided by them under this Act.

(6) A county council or county district council shall have power to enforce byelaws made under this section by another authority as respects land in the area of the council.

Textual Amendments

F192 Ss. 89(2A), 90(2) repealed by Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70, SIF 81:1), Sch. 30

F193 S. 90(3) proviso repealed by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), Sch. 5

F194 Words substituted by virtue of Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70, SIF 81:1), Sch. 17 para. 39

F195 Words in s. 90(4) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 10(l); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F196 Words in s. 90(4) inserted (1.4.1991) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 130(1), Sch. 8 para. 1(14); S.I. 1991/685, art. 3

F197 Words in s. 90(4) substituted (1.4.2013) by The Natural Resources Body for Wales (Functions) Order 2013 (No. 755), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 22 (with Sch. 7)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C41 S. 90 amended by London Government Act 1963 (c. 33, SIF 81:1), s. 60(5) and Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), s. 41(10)

C42 S. 90(3) restricted by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), s. 41(12)

91 Default powers of Secretary of State as to certain byelaws. E+W+S

(1) If a local planning authority, when required by the Secretary of State to make, as respects land or a waterway to which the public are given access by an agreement or order, or in consequence of acquisition, under Part V of this Act, byelaws with respect to any of the matters with respect to which they are empowered by the last foregoing section to make byelaws, do not within three months after being so required comply with the requirement to the satisfaction of the Secretary of State, he may himself make byelaws in relation to the matters, and as respects the land or waterway, in question:

Provided that before making byelaws under this section as respects a National Park or area of outstanding natural beauty[F198 in Wales ] the Secretary of State shall consult with [F199 [F200 Natural England][F201 (as regards land or waterways in England) or] the [F202 Natural Resources Body for Wales] [F200 (as regards land or waterways in Wales)]].

(2) Any byelaws made by the Secretary of State under this section shall have effect as if they had been made by the local planning authority and confirmed by the Secretary of State, and the provisions of this Act and of any enactment thereby applied shall have effect in relation to the byelaws accordingly.

Textual Amendments

F198 Words in s. 91(1) inserted (E.) (26.5.2015) by Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20), s. 115(3)(l), Sch. 22 para. 1(a)

F199 Words in s. 91(1) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 10(m); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F200 Words in s. 91(1) omitted (E.) (26.5.2015) by virtue of Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20), s. 115(3)(l), Sch. 22 para. 1(b)(c)

F201 Words in s. 91(1) inserted (1.4.1991) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 130(1), Sch. 8 para. 1(15); S.I. 1991/685, art. 3

F202 Words in s. 91(1) substituted (1.4.2013) by The Natural Resources Body for Wales (Functions) Order 2013 (No. 755), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 22 (with Sch. 7)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C43 S. 91 amended by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), s. 41(10)

92 Wardens. E+W+S

(1) A local authority may appoint such number of persons as may appear to the authority to be necessary or expedient to act as wardens as respects any land or waterway in relation to which byelaws made by the authority are in force under the last but one foregoing section, or in relation to which the authority have power to make such byelaws.

(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F203

(3) For the purpose of exercising any function conferred on him by or under this section a warden appointed thereunder may enter upon any land, or go on any waterway, comprised in an access agreement or order in force under Part V of this Act:

Provided that this subsection shall not confer any power of entry on land which is excepted land for the purposes of the said Part V.

(4) Subject to the provisions of the last foregoing subsection, the foregoing provisions of this section shall not authorise a warden appointed by an authority thereunder, on land or a waterway in which any person other than that authority has an interest, without the consent of that person to do anything which apart from this section would be actionable at his suit by virtue of that interest.

Textual Amendments

F203 Ss. 92(2), 93, 94 repealed by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), Sch. 5

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C44 S. 92 amended by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), ss. 13(9)(10), 41(9)(10)

C45 S. 92(1) extended by Mineral Workings Act 1985 (c. 12, SIF 86), s 49(2)

C46 S. 92(3)(4) applied (coming into force in accordance with s. 1(2)-(4) of the amending Act) by 2002 c. i, ss. 1(2)-(4), 15(6) (with ss. 38, 39)

93, 94. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F204 E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F204 Ss. 92(2), 93, 94 repealed by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), Sch. 5

Financial Provisions E+W+S

95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F205 E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F205 S. 95 repealed and superseded by Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (c. 69, SIF 4:5), ss. 47, 73(1), Sch. 17 Pt. II

96 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F206 E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F206 S. 96 repealed by Science and Technology Act 1965 (c. 4, SIF 57), Sch. 4

97 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F207 E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F207 S. 97 repealed and superseded by Derelict Land Act 1982 (c. 42, SIF 46:1). ss. 1(12), 2(3), 5, Sch.

98 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F208 E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F208 S. 98 repealed by Local Government Act 1974 (c. 7, SIF 81:1), Sch. 8

99 Contributions by local authorities. E+W+S

(1) A local authority may defray or contribute towards, or undertake to defray or contribute towards, expenditure incurred or to be incurred for the purposes of this Act by any other local authority.

(2) In this section the expression “local authority”[F209 means a local planning authority, the council of a county F210 . . . not being a local planning authority, or the council of a county district][F209 means a [F211 council constituted under section 2 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994]].

(3) Where, under subsection (4) of section thirteen of this Act, the Minister directs that any power of a local planning authority under that section shall be exercisable by another authority, subsection (1) of this section shall apply as if that other authority were a local authority; and if the direction so provides the local planning authority shall be under a duty to exercise their powers under subsection (1) of this section to such extent as may be specified in the direction.

F212 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) Any expenditure incurred under this section by a local planning authority in respect of the erection of buildings or the carrying out of work by any such other authority as is mentioned in subsection (3) of this section shall be treated for the purposes of section ninety-seven of this Act as if it were expenditure incurred in the exercise of the powers of the local planning authority mentioned in paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of the said section ninety-seven.

(6) The council of a county F210 . . . may defray or contribute towards any expenditure [F213 incurred by the Environment Agency, the Natural Resources Body for Wales or an][F214 internal drainage board being] expenditure incurred for the benefit of a nature reserve managed by or under an agreement with the council or in consequence of anything done in the management of such a reserve.

Textual Amendments

F209 Words “means” to “district council” substituted (S.) for words “means” to “county district” by Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (c. 65) , Sch. 27 Pt. II para. 102

F210 Words repealed by Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70, SIF 81:1) , Sch. 30

F211 Words in s. 99(2) substituted (S.) (1.4.1996) by Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 (c. 39) , s. 180(1) , Sch. 13 para. 33 ; S.I. 1996/323 , art. 4(1)(c)

F212 S. 99(4) repealed by Highways Act 1959 (c. 25) , Sch. 25 and London Government Act 1963 (c. 33, SIF 81:1) , Sch. 6 para. 70

F213 Words in s. 99(6) substituted (1.4.2013) by The Natural Resources Body for Wales (Functions) Order 2013 (No. 755) , art. 1(2) , Sch. 2 para. 23 (with Sch. 7 )

F214 Words beginning “incurred by the National Rivers Authority” substituted (E.W.) for words beginning “incurred by a river board” by Water Act 1989 (c. 15, SIF 130) , ss. 58(7) , 101(1) , 141(6) , 160(1)(2)(4) , 163 , 189(4)–(10) , 190 , 193(1) , Sch. 25 , para. 13(2) , Sch. 26 paras. 3(1)(2) , 17 , 40(4) , 57(6) , 58

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C47 S. 99 extended by London Government Act 1963 (c. 33, SIF 81:1) , s. 60(6)

C48 S. 99(1) extended by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1) , s. 46(1)

C49 S. 99(6) amended by Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70, SIF 81:1) , Sch. 17 para. 34

100 Payments out of moneys provided by Parliament. E+W+S

There shall be defrayed out of moneys provided by Parliament—

(a) the expenses under this Act of the Minister of Town and Country Planning, . . . F215 and [F216 the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food];

(b) any increase attributable to the provisions of this Act in the sums payable out of such moneys under Part I or Part II of the M19 Local Government Act 1948.

Textual Amendments

F215 Words repealed by Science and Technology Act 1965 (c. 4, SIF 57), Sch. 4

F216 Words substituted by virtue of S.I. 1955/554 (1955 I, p. 1200), art. 3(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C50 Reference to Minister of Town and Country Planning to be construed as reference to Secretary of State: S.I. 1970/1681, arts 2, 6(3), Sch. 1

Marginal Citations

M19 1948 c. 26.

Supplementary Provisions E+W+S

101 Crown land. E+W+S

(1) The following provisions of this section shall have effect for applying certain provisions of this Act to Crown land, that is to say land an interest in which belongs to His Majesty in right of the Crown or the Duchy of Lancaster, or to the Duchy of Cornwall, and land an interest in which belongs to a Government department or is held in trust for His Majesty for the purposes of a Government department.

(2) A National Park may include Crown land, and with the consent of the appropriate authority the powers conferred by Part II of this Act may be exercised as respects any interest in Crown land.

(3) Where a National Park includes any Crown land, the appropriate authority and the local planning authority in whose area the land is situated may enter into an agreement for securing that, so far as any interest held by or on behalf of the Crown is concerned and so far as may be provided by the agreement, the land will be managed in a manner consistent with the accomplishment of either or both of the purposes specified in subsection (1) of section five of this Act.

(4) The appropriate authority may enter into an agreement under Part III of this Act as respects an interest in Crown land held by or on behalf of the Crown, and an agreement thereunder as respects any other interest in Crown land shall not have effect unless approved by the appropriate authority.

(5) An interest in Crown land, other than one held by or on behalf of the Crown, may be acquired under the said Part III, but only with the consent of the appropriate authority.

(6) Parts IV and V of this Act shall apply to Crown land, but subject to the following modifications, that is to say,—

(a) no . . . F217 access order shall be made as respects such land except with the consent of the appropriate authority;

(b) no such land shall be acquired under the said Part IV or V except with such consent; and

(c) if any land comprised in an access agreement or order, not being excepted land as defined for the purposes of the said Part V, becomes Crown land while it is so comprised, the access agreement or order shall cease to apply to the land unless the appropriate authority consent to the continued application thereto of the agreement or order.

(7) Section eighty-nine of this Act shall apply to Crown land if the appropriate authority consents to its application thereto, but subject to the following modifications, that is to say—

(a) an interest in Crown land may be acquired for the purposes of the said section eighty-nine only with the consent of the appropriate authority;

(b) if any land affected by arrangements under subsection (3) of that section or an agreement under subsection (6) thereof becomes Crown land, the arrangements or agreement shall cease to apply to the land unless the appropriate authority consent to the continued application thereto of the arrangements or agreement.

(8) Byelaws made under this Act shall apply to Crown land if the appropriate authority consents to their application thereto.

(9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F218

(10) Notwithstanding anything in subsection (3) or subsection (6) of this section—

(a) an agreement authorised by the said subsection (3) and made . . . F219 by any Government department, or an access agreement so made, shall be of no effect unless it is approved by the Treasury; and

(b) in considering whether to make or approve an agreement authorised by the said subsection (3), or an access agreement, relating to land belonging to a Government department or held in trust for His Majesty for the purposes of a Government department, the department and the Treasury shall have regard to the purposes for which the land is held by or for the department.

(11) In this section the expression “the appropriate authority”, in relation to any land, means—

(a) in the case of land belonging to His Majesty in right of the Crown, the Commissioners of Crown Lands or other Government department having the management of the land in question;

(b) in the case of land belonging to His Majesty in right of the Duchy of Lancaster, the Chancellor of the Duchy;

(c) in the case of land belonging to the Duchy of Cornwall, such person as the Duke of Cornwall or the possessor for the time being of the Duchy of Cornwall appoints;

(d) in the case of land belonging to a Government department or held in trust for His Majesty for the purposes of a Government department, that department;

and if any question arises under this section as to what authority is the appropriate authority in relation to any land, that question shall be referred to the Treasury, whose decision shall be final.

Textual Amendments

F217 Words repealed by Highways Act 1959 (c. 25), Sch. 25 and London Government Act 1963 (c. 33, SIF 81:1), Sch. 6 para. 70

F218 S. 101(9) repealed by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), Sch. 5

F219 Words repealed by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), Sch. 5

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C51 S. 101(3) modified (19.9.1995) by 1995 c. 25, ss. 61(3)(a), 125(2) (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117, Sch. 8 para. 7)

102 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F220 E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F220 S. 102 repealed by Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70, SIF 81:1), Sch. 30

103 General provisions as to acquisition of land. E+W+S

[F221 ( 1 ) Any power conferred by this Act on [F222 the appropriate conservation body] [F223 (as defined in section 15A of this Act)] or a local authority to acquire land compulsorily shall be exercisable in any particular case on their being authorised so to do by the Secretary of State.]

[F224 (1A) The M20 Acquisition of Land Act 1981 shall apply to the acquisition of land under this Act, and in relation to the acquisition under this Act of any interest in land the M21 Compulsory Purchase Act 1965 shall apply with any necessary modifications. ]

[F225 ( 2 ) In relation to the compulsory acquisition of land under this Act by [F226 Scottish Natural Heritage ] or a local authority, the M22 Acquisition of Land (Authorisation Procedure) Act 1946, shall apply as if this Act had been in force immediately before the commencement of that Act and as if in paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section one thereof, in Part I of the First Schedule thereto and in the Second Schedule thereto references to a local authority included references to [F226 Scottish Natural Heritage ] :

Provided that section two of the said Act (which confers temporary powers for the speedy acquisition of land in urgent cases) shall not apply to any such compulsory acquisition as is mentioned in this subsection.]

(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F227

(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F228

(5) The following provision shall have effect, in relation to the acquisition of land under this Act, in substitution for [F229 section 120 of the M23 Local Government Act 1972] (which provides for the acquisition of land by local authorities by agreement for the purposes of their functions), that is to say, a local authority may with the consent of the Minister by agreement acquire, whether by way of purchase, lease or exchange, any land, whether within or without the area of the local authority, which they require for the purpose of any of their functions under this Act or any other land which they may be authorised under this Act to acquire compulsorily.

(6) In this section, and in any enactment in this Act which confers a power to acquire land compulsorily, the expression “land” includes any interest in land; [F230 and the provisions of the Lands Clauses Acts incorporated with this Act by virtue of paragraph 1 of the Second Schedule to the M24 Acquisition of Land (Authorisation Procedure) Act 1946, as applied by subsections (2) and (4) of this section, shall apply with the necessary modifications in relation to the compulsory acquisition of any interest in land, being an interest not falling within the definition of “lands” contained in the Lands Clauses Acts.]

(7) In the application of this section to Scotland there shall be substituted, for references to the M25 Acquisition of Land (Authorisation Procedure) Act 1946, and to [F229 section 120 of the M26 Local Government Act 1972] respectively, references to the M27 Acquisition of Land (Authorisation Procedure) (Scotland) Act 1947, and to section [F231 70 of the M28 Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973] and in subsection (5) there shall be substituted for the words “whether by way of purchase, lease or exchange” the words “whether by way of purchase, feu, lease or excambion”; and subsection (4) shall not apply.

Textual Amendments

F221 S. 103(1) substituted by Nature Conservancy Council Act 1973 (c. 54, SIF 46:1), Sch. 1 para. 2(1)

F222 Words in s. 103(1) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 15(g); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F223 Words in s. 103(1) inserted (1.4.1991) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. sx 43, SIF 46:4), s. 132, Sch. 9 para. 1(4)(a); S.I. 1991/685, art. 3

F224 S. 103(1A) inserted by Acquisition of Land Act 1981 (c. 67, SIF 28:1), s. 34, Sch. 4 para. 8

F225 S. 103(2) repealed (E.W.) by Acquisition of Land Act 1981 (c. 67, SIF 28:1), s. 34, Sch. 6 Pt. I

F226 Words in s. 103(2) substituted (1.4.1992) by virtue of Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991 (c. 28, SIF 46:1), s. 4(6), Sch. 2 para. 1(4); S.I. 1991/2633, art.4

F227 S. 103(3) repealed by Land Compensation Act 1961 (c. 33, SIF 28:1), Sch. 5 and Land Compensation (Scotland) Act 1963 (c. 51, SIF 28:2), Sch. 4

F228 S. 103(4) repealed by Acquisition of Land Act 1981 (c. 67, SIF 28:1), s. 34, Sch. 6 Pt. I

F229 Words substituted by virtue of Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70, SIF 81:1), s. 272(2)

F230 Words repealed (E.W.) by Acquisition of Land Act 1981 (c. 67, SIF 28:1), s. 34, Sch. 6 Pt. I

F231 Words substituted by Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (c. 65, SIF 81:2), Sch. 27 Pt. II para. 103

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C52 S. 103 extended by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), s. 46(1)

C53 S. 103(1)(2) extended by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), s. 46(2)

s. 103 applied (30.1.2001) by 1981 c. 69, s. 28N(5) (as substituted (30.1.2001) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 75(1), 103(2), Sch. 9 para. 1)

Marginal Citations

M20 1981 c. 67(28:1).

M21 1965 c. 56(28:1).

M22 1946 c. 49.

M23 1972 c. 70.

M24 1946 c. 49.

M25 1946 c. 49.

M26 1972 c. 70.

M27 1947 c. 42.

M28 1973 c. 65.

104 General provisions as to appropriation and disposal of land. E+W+S

(1) The following provisions of this section shall have effect with respect to the disposal or appropriation by any local authority of land which has been acquired by them under this Act or appropriated by them for purposes for which land can be aquired under this Act, and is for the time being held by the authority for the purposes for which it was acquired or appropriated.

(2) Subject to the provisions of subsections (5) and (6) of this section—

(a) where any such land was acquired or appropriated by the authority for a purpose involving the disposal thereof by the authority or for a purpose which in the opinion of the authority can best be achieved by the disposal thereof, or which can be achieved consistently with the disposal thereof, they may dispose of the land to such person, in such manner and subject to such conditions as may appear to the authority to be expedient in order to secure that the land will be best dealt with having regard to the purpose for which it was acquired;

(b) where any such land is no longer required for the purpose for which it is held, the authority may dispose thereof to such person, in such manner and subject to such conditions as may appear to the authority to be expedient, having regard to the nature and situation of the land, in order to secure the best use of the land.

(3) Subject to the provisions of subsection (5) of this section, the authority may appropriate any such land, where the land is no longer required for the purpose for which it is held, for any other purpose for which the authority are or may be authorised in any capacity to acquire land under this Act or by or under any other enactment.

(4) In relation to an appropriation under the last foregoing subsection, [F232 subsection (4) of section 122 of the M29 Local Government Act 1972], . . . F233 (which relate to the operation of section sixty-eight of the M30 Lands Clauses Consolidation Act 1845, and to adjustments in accounts) shall have effect as they have effect in relation to appropriations under those sections respectively.

(5) The consent of the Minister shall be requisite to any disposal or appropriation of land by a local authority under this section, and may be given as respects either a particular disposal or appropriation or disposals or appropriations of any class, and either subject to or free from any conditions or limitations.

(6) The consent of the Minister to a sale by a local authority under this section of the freehold in any land, or to a lease by them thereunder of any land for a term of more than ninety-nine years, shall not be given unless he is satisfied that there are exceptional circumstances which render the disposal of the land in that manner expedient as mentioned in subsection (2) of this section.

(7), (8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F234

(9) In this section references to disposal of land shall be construed as references to disposal thereof in any manner (otherwise than by appropriation) whether by way of sale, exchange or lease, by the creation of any easement, right or privilege, or in any other manner, except disposal by way of gift, mortgage or charge.

(10) In relation to any such land as is mentioned in subsection (1) of this section, this section shall have effect to the exclusion of the provisions of [F232 subsections (1) to (3), (5) and (6) of section 122 and section 123 of the M31 Local Government Act 1972], . . . F233 , [F235 or of sections 73 and 74 of the M32 Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973].

[F236 (11) [F232 Section 153 of the M33 Local Government Act 1972], . . . F233 (which relate to the application of capital money received from the disposal of land), and section one hundred and sixty-eight of the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1947 (so far as it relates to the application of such money), shall have effect as respects capital money received in respect of transactions under the provisions of this section relating to the disposal of land as they have effect as respects capital money received in respect of such transactions as are mentioned in those sections respectively.]

(12) In the application of this section to Scotland, the following provision shall be substituted for subsection (4) of this section, that is to say—

“(4) on any appropriation being made under the last foregoing subsection proper adjustments in respect thereof shall be made in the accounts of the authority”,

and the following provision shall be substituted for subsection (9) of this section, that is to say—

“(9) In this section references to disposal of land shall be construed as references to disposal thereof in any manner (otherwise than by appropriation), whether by way of sale, feu, excambion or lease, by the creation of any servitude, right or privilege, or in any other manner except disposal by way of gift or in security”;

and subsections (6), (7) and (8) shall be omitted.

Textual Amendments

F232 Words substituted by virtue of Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70, SIF 81:1), s. 272(2)

F233 Words repealed by London Government Act 1963 (c. 33, SIF 81:1), Sch. 18 Pt. II

F234 Ss. 104(7)(8), 105 repealed by Local Government Act 1974 (c. 7, SIF 81:1), Sch. 8

F235 Words substituted by Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (c. 65, SIF 81:2), Sch. 27 Pt. II para. 104

F236 S. 104(11) repealed (S.) by Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (c. 65), Sch. 29

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C54 S. 104 extended by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), s. 46(1), excluded by ibid., Sch. 2 para. 4(2)

C55 s. 104 amended (E.W.) (19.9.1995) by 1995 c. 25, ss. 68(9), 125(2) (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117, Sch. 8 para. 7)

Marginal Citations

M29 1972 c. 70.

M30 1845 c. 18.

M31 1972 c. 70.

M32 1973 c. 65.

M33 1972 c. 70.

105 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F237 E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F237 Ss. 104(7)(8), 105 repealed by Local Government Act 1974 (c. 7, SIF 81:1), Sch. 8

106 Supplementary provisions as to byelaws. U.K.

(1) [F238 Sections 236 to 238 of the M34 Local Government Act 1972] shall apply to all byelaws under this Act as if any authority having power to make them were a local authority within the meaning of the said Act of [F238 1972] so however, that in relation to byelaws made by [F239 the appropriate conservation body][F240 (as defined in section 15A of this Act)] the said sections shall apply subject to such adaptations as may be prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State.

(2) In relation to byelaws made under this Act the confirming authority for the purposes of the said [F238 section 236] shall be the Secretary of State.

(3) Any authority having power under this Act to make byelaws shall have power to enforce byelaws made by them.

(4) The following provisions shall have effect in the application of this section to Scotland:—

(a) for references to [F238 the M35 Local Government Act 1972 and to sections 236 to 238] thereof there shall be substituted references to the Local Government (Scotland) Act M36 [F241 1973, and to sections 201 to 204] thereof; and

(b) nothing in the last foregoing subsection shall be construed as authorising any such authority as is mentioned therein to institute proceedings in Scotland for an offence.

[F242 (5) This section does not apply to byelaws made under this Act by the [F243 Natural Resources Body for Wales] .]

Subordinate Legislation Made

P2 S. 106: for previous exercises of this power, see Index to Government Orders

Textual Amendments

F238 Words substituted by virtue of Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70, SIF 81:1), s. 272(2)

F239 Words in s. 106(1) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 15(h); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F240 Words in s. 106(1) inserted (1.4.1991) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 132, Sch. 9 para. 1(5); S.I. 1991/685, art.3

F241 Words substituted by Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (c. 65, SIF 81:2), Sch. 27 Pt. II para. 105

F242 S. 106(5) inserted (W.) (31.3.2015) by Local Government Byelaws (Wales) Act 2012 (anaw 2), s. 22(2), Sch. 2 para. 5(2); S.I. 2015/1025, art. 2(r) (with art. 3)

F243 Words in s. 106(5) substituted (E.W.) (21.5.2016) by Environment (Wales) Act 2016 (anaw 3), s. 88(2)(g), Sch. 2 para. 28(2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C56 S. 106 extended by Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (c. 69, SIF 81:1), s. 272(2)

s. 106 applied (30.1.2001) by 1981 c. 69, s. 28R(2)(b) (as substituted (30.1.2001) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 75(1), 103(2), Sch. 9 para. 1)

Marginal Citations

M34 1972 c. 70.

M35 1972 c. 70.

M36 1973 c. 65.

[F244 106A Supplementary provisions as to byelaws made by the [F245 Natural Resources Body for Wales] E+W+S

(1) Sections 3 to 19 of the Local Government Byelaws (Wales) Act 2012 shall apply to all byelaws made by the [F246 Natural Resources Body for Wales] under this Act.

(2) The confirming authority for the purposes of section 7 of the 2012 Act is the Welsh Ministers.]

Textual Amendments

F244 S. 106A inserted (W.) (31.3.2015) by Local Government Byelaws (Wales) Act 2012 (anaw 2), s. 22(2), Sch. 2 para. 5(3); S.I. 2015/1025, art. 2(r) (with art. 3)

F245 Words in s. 106A heading substituted (21.5.2016) by Environment (Wales) Act 2016 (anaw 3), s. 88(2)(g), Sch. 2 para. 28(3)

F246 Words in s. 106A(1) substituted (21.5.2016) by Environment (Wales) Act 2016 (anaw 3), s. 88(2)(g), Sch. 2 para. 28(3)

107 Supplementary provisions as to compensation under ss. 20, 46 and 70. E+W+S

(1) The following provisions shall have effect as to compensation under section twenty of this Act, under that section as applied by section twenty-one thereof . . . F247 and under section seventy thereof.

(2) Any dispute arising on a claim for any such compensation shall be determined by the [F248 Upper Tribunal].

(3) For the purposes of any reference to the [F249 Upper Tribunal] under the last foregoing subsection, [F250 section 4 of the M37 Land Compensation Act 1961][F251 section 5 of the M38 Land Compensation (Scotland) Act 1963] (which relates to costs) shall have effect with the substitution, for references to the acquiring authority, of references to the authority from whom the compensation in question is claimed.

(4) Rules 2 to 4 of the Rules set out in [F250 section 5 of the said Act of 1961][F251 section 12 of the said Act of 1963] (which provides rules for valuation on a compulsory acquisition) shall apply to the calculation of any such compensation, in so far as it is calculated by reference to the depreciation of the value of an interest in land.

(5) In the case of an interest in land subject to a mortgage—

(a) any such compensation in respect of the depreciation of that interest shall be calculated as if the interest were not subject to the mortgage;

(b) a claim or application for the payment of any such compensation, or an application for the recording of a claim in respect of the interest under subsection (1) of section seventy-two of this Act, may be made by any person who when the byelaws or order giving rise to the compensation were or was made was the mortgagee of the interest, or by any person claiming under such a person, but without prejudice to the making of a claim or application by any other person;

(c) a mortgagee shall not be entitled to any such compensation in respect of his interest as such; and

(d) any compensation payable in respect of the interest subject to the mortgage shall be paid to the mortgagee, or, where there is more than one mortgagee, to the first mortgagee, and shall in either case be applied by him as if it were proceeds of sale.

(6) This section shall apply to Scotland—

(a) with the substitution for any reference to the [F252 Upper Tribunal] of a reference to the Lands Tribunal for Scotland; and

(b) with the substitution respectively for any reference to a mortgage, to a mortgagee, and to the first mortgagee, of a reference to a heritable security, to the creditor in a heritable security, and to the creditor whose heritable security has priority over any other heritable securities secured on the land:

Provided that until sections one to three of the M39 Lands Tribunal Act 1949, come into force as respects Scotland the expression “the Lands Tribunal for Scotland” in subsection (2) of this section shall be construed as meaning an official arbiter appointed under [F251 the M40 Land Compensation (Scotland) Act 1963], and the following provisions of the said [F251 Act of 1963] that is to say, [F251 section 3] thereof (which relates to procedure), [F251 section 5] thereof (which relates to costs) . . . F253 but with the substitution for references to the acquiring authority of references to the authority from whom the compensation in question is claimed, and [F251 subsection (9) of section 3] thereof (which relates to the statement of special cases) as modified by section ten of the said Act of 1949, shall apply for the purposes of the arbitration.

Textual Amendments

F247 Words repealed by Highways Act 1959 (c. 25), Sch. 25 and London Government Act 1963 (c. 33, SIF 81:1), Sch. 6 para. 70

F248 Words in s. 107(2) substituted (1.6.2009) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions (Lands Tribunal and Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1307), art. 1, Sch. 1 para. 19(a) (with Sch. 5)

F249 Words in s. 107(3) substituted (1.6.2009) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions (Lands Tribunal and Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1307), art. 1, Sch. 1 para. 19(a) (with Sch. 5)

F250 Words substituted (E.W.) by virtue of Land Compensation Act 1961 (c. 33, SIF 28:1), s. 40(1)

F251 Words substituted (S.) by virtue of Land Compensation (Scotland) Act 1963 (c. 51, SIF 28:2), s. 47(1)

F252 Words in s. 107(6)(a) substituted (1.6.2009) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions (Lands Tribunal and Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1307), art. 1, Sch. 1 para. 19(b) (with Sch. 5)

F253 Words spent

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C57 S. 107 applied (30.1.2001) by 1981 c. 69, s. 28R(2)(b) (as substituted (30.1.2001) by 2000 c. 37, ss. 75(1), 103(2), Sch. 9 para. 1)

Marginal Citations

M37 1961 c. 33.

M38 1963 c. 51.

M39 1949 c. 42.

M40 1963 c. 51.

108 Powers of entry. E+W

(1) For the purpose of surveying land in connection with—

(a) the acquisition thereof or of any interest therein, whether by agreement or compulsorily,

(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F254

(c) the making of an access order with respect thereto,

in the exercise of any power conferred by this Act, any person duly authorised in writing by the Minister or other authority having power so to acquire the land or to make the order, as the case may be, may enter upon the land.

(2) For the purpose of surveying land, or of estimating its value, in connection with any claim for compensation payable under this Act by a Minister or other authority in respect of that or any other land, any person being an officer of the Valuation Office or a person duly authorised in writing by the authority from whom the compensation is claimed may enter upon the land.

(3) A person authorised under this section to enter upon any land shall, if so required, produce evidence of his authority before entering; and a person shall not under this section demand admission as of right to any land which is occupied unless at least [F255 fourteen days’] notice in writing of the intended entry has been given to the occupier.

(4) Any person who wilfully obstructs a person in the exercise of his powers under this section shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding [F256 level 1 on the standard scale].

Textual Amendments

F254 S. 108(1)(b) repealed by Highways Act 1959 (c. 25), Sch. 25 and London Government Act 1963 (c. 33, SIF 81:1), Sch. 6 para. 70

F255 Words substituted by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), s. 46(3)

F256 Words substituted by virtue of (E.W.) Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), ss. 38, 46 and (S.) Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 (c. 21, SIF 39:1), ss. 389F, 289G (as inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 54)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C58 S. 108 extended by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), s. 46(1)

C59 S. 108 restricted (S.) (1.4.1992) by Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991 (c. 28, SIF 46:1), s. 7(11); S.I. 1991/2633, art.4

109 †Application of provisions of Act of 1947 as to inquiries and service of notices. E+W+S

(1) [F257 Section 282 of the M41 Town and Country Planning Act 1971] (which provides for the holding by the Minister of local inquiries for the purposes of that Act) shall apply for the purposes of this Act.

(2) [F257 Section 283 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1971] and [F258 section 269 of the M42 Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1972] (which provide for the service of notices and other documents) shall apply to notices and other documents required or authorised to be served or given under this Act:

Provided that this subsection shall not apply to the service of any notice required or authorised to be served under the First Schedule to the M43 Acquisition of Land (Authorisation Procedure) Act 1946, or the M44 Acquisition of Land (Authorisation Procedure) (Scotland) Act 1947, as applied by this Act.

(3) Subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to Scotland.

Textual Amendments

F257 Words substituted by virtue of Town and Country Planning Act 1971 (c. 78, SIF 123:1), Sch. 24 para. 2

F258 Words substituted by virtue of Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1972 (c. 52, SIF 123:2), Sch. 22 para. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C60 Unreliable marginal note

C61 S. 109 extended by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41), s. 46(1)

C62 S. 109(2): Interpretation Act 1978 (c. 30 SIF 115:1), s. 17(2)(a) applies to the construction of the reference to Acquisition of Land (Authorisation Procedure) Act 1946

Marginal Citations

M41 1971 c. 78.

M42 1972 c. 52.

M43 1946 c. 18.

M44 1947 c. 49.

110 Regulations and orders. E+W+S

(1) Any power conferred by this Act to make regulations shall be exercisable by statutory instrument.

(2) Any order under Part IV, V or VI of this Act may be varied or revoked by a subsequent order made in the like manner and subject to the like provisions:

Provided that, without prejudice to the making of a new access order under Part V of this Act, an access order under the said Part V shall not be varied so as to comprise land not comprised in the original order.

(3) Any regulations made under this Act shall be subject to annulment by a resolution of either House of Parliament.

111 Application to Isles of Scilly. E+W+S

(1) The Minister may, after consultation with the Council of the Isles of Scilly, by order provide for the application of this Act to the Isles of Scilly as if those Isles were a separate county; and any such order may provide for the application of this Act to those Isles subject to such modifications, or to the exception of such Parts or provisions thereof, as may be specified in the order.

(2) The power to make orders conferred by this section shall be exercisable by statutory instrument.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C63 S. 111 extended by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), s. 46(1) and by Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70, SIF 81:1), Sch. 17, para. 40

[F259 111A Application to the Broads Authority. E+W+S

(1) Sections 21 and 22 of this Act shall have effect as if the Broads Authority were a county council.

(2) Sections 54 and 89 of this Act shall have effect as if the Broads Authority were a local planning authority.

(3) Part V of this Act (apart from section 69) shall have effect as if the Broads Authority were a local planning authority but as if—

(a) sections F260 . . . , 74 and 78 were omitted; and

(b) F261 . . ., the Broads were a National Park.

(4) Section 69 of this Act shall have effect as if the Broads Authority were a county planning authority.

(5) In this section “ the Broads ” has the same meaning as in the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988. ]

Textual Amendments

F259 S. 111A inserted by Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988 (c. 4, SIF 81:1), ss. 2(5)(6), 23(2), 27(2), Sch. 3 para. 2

F260 Words in s. 111A(3)(a) repealed (1.4.2001 for E. and 1.5.2001 for W.) by 2000 c. 37, s. 102, Sch. 16 Pt. I; S.I. 2001/114, art. 2(2)(k); S.I. 2001/1410, art. 2(m)

F261 Words in s. 111A(3)(b) repealed (1.4.1997) by 1995 c. 25, s. 120(3), Sch. 24 (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117); S.I. 1996/2560, art. 2, Sch.

112 Epping Forest and Burnham Beeches. E+W+S

(1) The provisions of this Act mentioned in the next following subsection shall not apply to any of the lands under the regulation and management of the Corporation of London as Conservators of Epping Forest, or acquired by, and vested in, that Corporation under the M45 Corporation of London (Open Spaces) Act 1878, in the area known as Burnham Beeches.

(2) The said provisions are Part II of this Act, Part V thereof, and sections [F262 eighty-nine] to ninety-four thereof.

Textual Amendments

F262 Words in s. 112(2) substituted (1.4.2001 for E. and 1.5.2001 for W.) by 2000 c. 37, s. 93, Sch. 15 Pt. I para. 2 (with s. 84(4)-(6)); S.I. 2001/114, art. 2(2)(e); S.I. 2001/1410, art. 2(g)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C64 S. 112(2) extended by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), s. 46(4)

Marginal Citations

M45 1878 c. cxxvii.

113 National Trust land. E+W+S

No power conferred by Part V or Part VI of this Act to acquire land compulsorily shall be exercisable in respect of land belonging to the National Trust which is held by the Trust inalienably.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C65 S. 113 extended by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), s. 46(5)

114 Interpretation. E+W+S

(1) In this Act the following expressions have the meanings hereby assigned to them respectively, that is to say—

• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F263

• [F264 “ area of outstanding natural beauty ” means an area designated under section 82 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000; ]

• F265 ...

• F266 ...

• [F267 “drainage authority” means—

  (a)

  as respects England, the Environment Agency;

  (b)

  as respects Wales, the Natural Resources Body for Wales;

  (c)

  in either case, an internal drainage board;]

• “interest”, in relation to land, includes any estate in land and any right over land, whether the right is exercisable by virtue of the ownership of an interest in land or by virtue of a licence or agreement, and in particular includes sporting rights;

• “land” includes land covered by water and as respects Scotland includes salmon fishings;

• “the Minister” as respects England and Wales means [F268 the Secretary of State] and as respects Scotland means the Secretary of State;

• “National Park” has the meaning assigned to it by subsection (3) of section five of this Act;

• “open-air recreation” does not include organized games;

• “owner”, in relation to any land, means, except in Part III of this Act , a person, other than a mortgagee not in possession, who, whether in his own right or as trustee or agent for any other person, is entitled to receive the rack rent of the land or, where the land is not let at a rack rent, would be so entitled if it were so let, and, in Part III of this Act, as respects England and Wales means any person being either entitled to the fee simple or being a mortgagee in possession of the land and as respects Scotland has the meaning assigned to it by section twenty-six of this Act ;

• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F269

• “vehicle” does not include a vessel, except any vessel adapted for use on land while it is being so used;

• “waterway” means any lake, river, canal or other waters, being (in any case) waters suitable, or which can reasonably be rendered suitable, for sailing, boating, bathing or fishing;

and, except where the context otherwise requires, other expressions have the same meanings respectively as in [F270 the M46 Town and Country Planning Act 1971] or, in their application to Scotland, as in [F271 the M47 Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1972].

(2) References in this Act to the preservation [F272 , or the conservation,] of the natural beauty of an area shall be construed as including references to the preservation [F272 or, as the case may be, the conservation] of [F273 its flora, fauna and geological and physiographical features].

(3) References in this Act to the planting of trees shall be construed as including references to the planting of bushes, the planting or sowing of flowers and the sowing of grass and the laying of turf.

(4) References in this Act to any enactment shall be construed as references to that enactment as amended by or under any subsequent enactment including this Act.

Textual Amendments

F263 Definition spent

F264 S. 114(1): definition of “area of outstanding natural beauty” substituted (1.4.2001 for E. and 1.5.2001 for W.) by 2000 c. 37, s. 93, Sch. 15 Pt. I para. 3 (with s. 84(4)-(6)); S.I. 2001/114, art. 2(2)(e); S.I. 2001/1410, art. 2(g)

F265 Words in s. 114(1) repealed (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 24, Sch. 12; S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)

F266 Words in s. 114(1) omitted (1.4.2013) by virtue of The Natural Resources Body for Wales (Functions) Order 2013 (No. 755), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 24(2) (with Sch. 7)

F267 Words in s. 114(1) substituted (1.4.2013) by The Natural Resources Body for Wales (Functions) Order 2013 (No. 755), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 24(3) (with Sch. 7)

F268 Words substituted by virtue of S.I. 1951/142 (1951 I, p. 1348), art. 2, 1951/1900 (1951 I, p. 1347), 1965/143, arts. 2(2), 3(1), 1965/319, arts. 2(1), 10(1), Sch. 1 Pt. I and 1970/1681, arts. 2, 6(3)

F269 Definition repealed by Water Resources Act 1963 (c. 38, SIF 130), Sch. 14 Pt. I

F270 Words substituted by virtue of Town and Country Planning Act 1971 (c. 78, SIF 123:1), Sch. 24 para. 2

F271 Words substituted by virtue of Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1972 (c. 52, SIF 123:2), Sch. 22 para. 2

F272 Words in s. 114(2) inserted (23.11.1995) by 1995 c. 25, s. 78, Sch. 10 para. 2(8) (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117, Sch. 8 para. 7); S.I. 1995/2950, art. 2(1)

F273 Words substituted by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), s. 21(7)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C66 In s. 114(1) the definitions of "interest" and "land" applied (S.) (1.4.1992) by Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991 (c. 28, SIF 46:1), s. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 19(2); S.I. 1991/2633, art. 4

C67 In s. 114(1) the definitions of "interest" and "land" applied (1.4.1991) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (C. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 128(5), Sch. 6 para. 18(2); S.I. 199/685, art. 3

C68 In s. 114(1) the definition of "waterway" applied (1.12.1991) by Water Industry Act 1991 (c. 56, SIF 130), ss. 157(6), 223(2)

In s. 114(1) the definition of "waterway" applied (1.12.1991) by Water Resources Act 1991 (c. 57, SIF 130), ss. 210(1), 225(2), Sch. 25 para. 3(4)

C69 Definition of “open-air recreation” restricted by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41, SIF 46:1), s. 21(6)

Marginal Citations

M46 1971 c. 78.

M47 1972 c. 52.

115 Short title and extent. E+W+S

(1) This Act may be cited as the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.

(2) This Act, except Part III thereof and so much of this Part thereof as relates to the said Part III, shall not extend to Scotland; and this Act shall not extend to Northern Ireland.