This Order amends the Environmentally Sensitive Areas (Cotswold Hills) Designation Order 1994 (S.I.1994/708, amended by S.I.1995/200) which designated an area in the Cotswold Hills as an environmentally sensitive area, in compliance with Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2078/92 (OJNo. L215, 30.7.92, p.85) on agricultural production methods compatible with the requirements of protection of the environment and the maintenance of the countryside.

Subject to a saving provision, the Order amends the rates of payments to be made by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food pursuant to a management agreement made under section 18(3) of the Agriculture Act 1986, clarifies which part of the agreement land may be used for the growing of arable crops, adds an additional stocking density restriction applicable to reversion of arable land to extensive permanent grassland, clarifies an ambiguity raised by the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments and adds several options to the operations that may be included in a conservation plan (articles 2 and 3).

No Compliance Cost Assessment in relation to this Order has been prepared.