The Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (Northern Ireland) Order 1985

Areas of outstanding natural beauty N.I.

14.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) to (4), where the Department considers an area (not being an area within a National Park) to be of such outstanding natural beauty that it is desirable that the provisions of this Article should apply to the area, the Department may make an order designating it as an area of outstanding natural beauty.

(2) Where the Department proposes to make an order under paragraph (1), the Department—

(a) shall consult—

(i) the Ulster Countryside Committee, and

(ii) every district council whose district includes any part of the area to which the proposed order is to relate; and

(b) shall then, before making the order, publish in the Belfast Gazette and in two newspapers circulating in the district of every such district council, a notice indicating—

(i) that it proposes to make the order,

(ii) the effect of the order, and

(iii) the time within which, and the manner in which, representations concerning the order may be made to the Department.

(3) The Department shall consider any representations made to it concerning the making of an order under paragraph (1).

(4) Where an order is made under paragraph (1), the Department shall secure that copies of the order are available for inspection at all reasonable times by members of the public—

(a) at the offices of every district council referred to in paragraph (2)(a)(ii); and

(b) at such other places in or near that area as the Department may determine.

(5) Subject to paragraph (6), the Department may, in relation to an area designated by order under paragraph (1), formulate proposals for—

(a) conserving or enhancing the natural beauty or amenities of that area;

(b) conserving wildlife, historic objects or natural phenomena within it;

(c) promoting its enjoyment by the public;

(d) providing or maintaining public access to it.

(6) Before formulating any proposals under paragraph (5), the Department shall consult the bodies mentioned in paragraph (2)(a) and the Committee for Nature Conservation.