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National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, Introductory Text is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 15 November 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations.
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An Act to make provision for National Parks and the establishment of a National Parks Commission; to confer on the Nature Conservancy and local authorities powers for the establishment and maintenance of nature reserves; to make further provision for the recording, creation, maintenance and improvement of public paths and for securing access to open country, and to amend the law relating to rights of way; to confer further powers for preserving and enhancing natural beauty; and for matters connected with the purposes aforesaid.
[16th December 1949]
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1Act amended by Countryside Act 1968 (c. 41), s. 38; extended by Post Office Act 1969 (c. 48, SIF 96), Sch. 4 para. 93(1)(x), and Civil Aviation Act 1982 (c. 16, SIF 9), s. 19(2), Sch. 2 para. 4
C2References to local planning authority to be construed in accordance with Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70, SIF 81:1), s. 184(1)-(5)
C3Act extended by Gas Act 1986 (c. 44, SIF 44:2), s. 67(1)(3), Sch. 7 para. 2(1)(vii), Sch. 8 para. 33
C4Act extended (E.W.) 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. 1(2)(iv), Sch. 26 para. 3(1)(2), 17, 40(4), 57(6), 58)
C5Act extended (E.W.S.) by Electricity Act 1989 (c. 29, SIF 44:1), s. 112(1)(3), Sch. 16 para. 1(1)(vii), Sch. 17 paras. 33, 35(1)
C6The definition of "waterway" in this Act is applied (E.W.) (1.12.1991) by Water Industry Act 1991 (c. 56, SIF 130), ss. 157(6), 223(2)
The definition of "waterway" in this Act is applied (E.W.) (1.12.1991) by Water Resources Act 1991 (c. 57, SIF 130), ss. 210(1), 225(2), Sch. 25 para. 3(4)
C7Act: functions transferred (E.W.) (19.9.1995) by 1995 c. 25, ss. 68(2)(a)(8), 125(2) (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117, Sch. 8 para. 7)
Act: transfer of certain functions (W.) (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/672, art. 2, Sch. 1
C8Act modified (E.W.) (19.9.1996) by 1995 c. 25, ss. 68(2)(b)(c), 125(2) (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117, Sch. 8 para. 7)
C9Act extended (1.3.1996) by 1995 c. 45, s. 16(1), Sch. 4 para. 2(1)(v); S.I. 1996/218, art. 2
C10Act amended (1.4.1996) by S.I. 1996/593, reg. 2, Sch. 1
Act modified (1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 37, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)(2)(c) (with s. 106)
Commencement Information
I1Act wholly in force at Royal Assent
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