Legalize / United Kingdom / Public General Act

Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000

Type Public General Act

Publication 2000-11-30

Last updated 2026-03-06

State In force

Department Statute Law Database

Source legislation.gov.uk

articles Not indexed

Reform history JSON API

(2) In relation to any land which is subject to a farm business tenancy within the meaning of the Agricultural Tenancies Act 1995 or a tenancy to which the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986 applies, the definition of “owner” in subsection (1) does not apply where it is excluded by section 2(5) or 21(4) or by paragraph 7(4) of Schedule 2.

(3) For the purposes of this Part, the Broads are to be treated as a National Park and the Broads Authority as a National Park authority.

(4) In subsection (3) “the Broads” has the same meaning as in the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988.

Repeal of previous legislation, and amendments relating to Part I

46

(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) No access agreement or access order under Part V of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 (access to open country) may be made after the commencement of this subsection in relation to land which is open country or registered common land for the purposes of this Part.

(3) Schedule 4 (which contains minor and consequential amendments relating to access to the countryside) has effect.

Part II — Public rights of way and road traffic

Public rights of way and definitive maps and statements

Redesignation of roads used as public paths

47

(1) In the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (in this Act referred to as “the 1981 Act”), section 54 (duty to reclassify roads used as public paths) shall cease to have effect.

(2) Every way which, immediately before the commencement of this section, is shown in any definitive map and statement as a road used as a public path shall be treated instead as shown as a restricted byway; and the expression “road used as a public path” shall not be used in any definitive map and statement to describe any way.

Restricted byway rights

48

(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), the public shall have restricted byway rights over any way which, immediately before the commencement of section 47, is shown in a definitive map and statement as a road used as a public path.

(2) Subsection (1) has effect subject to the operation of any enactment or instrument (whether coming into operation before or after the commencement of section 47), and to the effect of any event otherwise within section 53(3)(a) of the 1981 Act, whereby a highway—

(a) is authorised to be stopped up, diverted, widened or extended, or

(b) becomes a public path;

and subsection (1) applies accordingly to any way as so diverted, widened or extended.

(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to any way, or part of a way, over which immediately before the commencement of section 47 there was no public right of way.

(4) In this Part—

“restricted byway rights” means—a right of way on foot,a right of way on horseback or leading a horse, anda right of way for vehicles other than mechanically propelled vehicles; and

“restricted byway” means a highway over which the public have restricted byway rights, with or without a right to drive animals of any description along the highway, but no other rights of way.

(5) A highway at the side of a river, canal or other inland navigation is not excluded from the definition of “restricted byway” in subsection (4) merely because the public have a right to use the highway for purposes of navigation, if the highway would fall within that definition if the public had no such right over it.

(6) Subsection (1) is without prejudice to any question whether the public have over any way, in addition to restricted byway rights, a right of way for mechanically propelled vehicles or any other right.

(7) In subsections (4) and (6) “mechanically propelled vehicle” does not include a vehicle falling within paragraph (c) of section 189(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

(8) Every surveying authority shall take such steps as they consider expedient for bringing to the attention of the public the effect of section 47(2) and this section.

(9) The powers conferred by section 103(5) must be so exercised as to secure that nothing in section 47 or this section affects the operation of section 53 or 54 of, or Schedule 14 or 15 to, the 1981 Act in relation to—

(a) a relevant order made before the commencement of section 47, or

(b) an application made before that commencement for a relevant order.

(10) In subsection (9) “relevant order” means an order which relates to a way shown in a definitive map and statement as a road used as a public path and which—

(a) is made under section 53 of the 1981 Act and contains modifications relating to that way by virtue of subsection (3)(c)(ii) of that section, or

(b) is made under section 54 of the 1981 Act.

(11) Where—

(a) by virtue of an order under subsection (3) of section 103 (“the commencement order”) containing such provision as is mentioned in subsection (5) of that section, an order under Part III of the 1981 Act (“the Part III order”) takes effect, after the commencement of section 47, in relation to any way which, immediately before that commencement, was shown in a definitive map and statement as a road used as a public path,

(b) the commencement order does not prevent subsection (1) from having effect on that commencement in relation to that way, and

(c) if the Part III order had taken effect before that commencement, that way would not have fallen within subsection (1),

all rights over that way which exist only by virtue of subsection (1) shall be extinguished when the Part III order takes effect.

Provisions supplementary to ss. 47 and 48

49

(1) Every way over which the public have restricted byway rights by virtue of subsection (1) of section 48 (whether or not they also have a right of way for mechanically propelled vehicles or any other right) shall, as from the commencement of that section, be a highway maintainable at the public expense.

(2) As from the commencement of that section, any liability, under a special enactment (within the meaning of the Highways Act 1980) or by reason of tenure, enclosure or prescription, to maintain, otherwise than as a highway maintainable at the public expense, a restricted byway to which subsection (1) applies is extinguished.

(3) Every way which, in pursuance of—

(a) paragraph 9 of Part III of Schedule 3 to the Countryside Act 1968, or

(b) any order made under section 54(1) of the 1981 Act before the coming into force of section 47,

is shown in any definitive map and statement as a byway open to all traffic, a bridleway or a footpath, shall continue to be maintainable at the public expense.

(4) Nothing in subsections (1) and (3) or in section 48(1) obliges a highway authority to provide on any way a metalled carriage-way or a carriage-way which is by any other means provided with a surface suitable for cycles or other vehicles.

(5) Nothing in section 48, or in section 53 of the 1981 Act, limits the operation of orders under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 or the operation of any byelaws.

(6) Section 67 of the 1981 Act (application to the Crown) has effect as if this section and sections 47, 48 and 50 were contained in Part III of that Act.

Private rights over restricted byways

50

(1) Restricted byway rights over any way by virtue of subsection (1) of section 48 are subject to any condition or limitation to which public rights of way over that way were subject immediately before the commencement of that section.

(2) Any owner or lessee of premises adjoining or adjacent to a relevant highway shall, so far as is necessary for the reasonable enjoyment and occupation of the premises, have a right of way for vehicular and all other kinds of traffic over the relevant highway.

(3) In subsection (2), in its application to the owner of any premises, “relevant highway” means so much of any highway maintainable at the public expense by virtue of section 49(1) as was, immediately before it became so maintainable, owned by the person who then owned the premises.

(4) In subsection (2), in its application to the lessee of any premises, “relevant highway” means so much of any highway maintainable at the public expense by virtue of section 49(1) as was, immediately before it became so maintainable, included in the lease on which the premises are held.

(5) In this section—

“lease” and “lessee” have the same meaning as in the 1980 Act;

“owner”, in relation to any premises, means a person, other than a mortgagee not in possession, who is for the time being entitled to dispose of the fee simple of the premises, whether in possession or in reversion, and “owned” shall be construed accordingly; and

“premises” has the same meaning as in the 1980 Act.

Amendments relating to definitive maps and statements and restricted byways

51

Schedule 5 to this Act (which contains amendments relating to definitive maps and statements and restricted byways) has effect.

Restricted byways: power to amend existing legislation

52

(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations—

(a) provide for any relevant provision which relates—

(i) to highways or highways of a particular description,

(ii) to things done on or in connection with highways or highways of a particular description, or

(iii) to the creation, stopping up or diversion of highways or highways of a particular description,

not to apply, or to apply with or without modification, in relation to restricted byways or to ways shown in a definitive map and statement as restricted byways, and

(b) make in any relevant provision such amendments, repeals or revocations as appear to him appropriate in consequence of the coming into force of sections 47 to 50 or provision made by virtue of paragraph (a) or subsection (6)(a).

(2) In this section—

“relevant provision” means a provision contained—in an Act passed before or in the same Session as this Act, orin any subordinate legislation made before the passing of this Act;

“relevant Welsh provision” means a provision contained—in a local or private Act passed before or in the same Session as this Act and relating only to areas in Wales, orin any subordinate legislation which was made before the passing of this Act and which the National Assembly for Wales has power to amend or revoke as respects Wales.

(3) In exercising the power to make regulations under subsection (1), the Secretary of State—

(a) may not make provision which has effect in relation to Wales unless he has consulted the National Assembly for Wales, and

(b) may not without the consent of the National Assembly for Wales make any provision which (otherwise than merely by virtue of the amendment or repeal of a provision contained in an Act) amends or revokes subordinate legislation made by the Assembly.

(4) The National Assembly for Wales may submit to the Secretary of State proposals for the exercise by the Secretary of State of the power conferred by subsection (1).

(5) The powers conferred by subsection (1) may be exercised in relation to a relevant provision even though the provision is amended or inserted by this Act.

(6) As respects Wales, the National Assembly for Wales may by regulations—

(a) provide for any relevant Welsh provision which relates—

(i) to highways or highways of a particular description,

(ii) to things done on or in connection with highways or highways of a particular description, or

(iii) to the creation, stopping up or diversion of highways or highways of a particular description,

not to apply, or to apply with or without modification, in relation to restricted byways or to ways shown in a definitive map and statement as restricted byways, and

(b) make in any relevant Welsh provision such amendments, repeals or revocations as appear to the Assembly appropriate in consequence of the coming into force of sections 47 to 50 or provision made by virtue of subsection (1)(a) or paragraph (a).

(7) Regulations under this section shall be made by statutory instrument, but no such regulations shall be made by the Secretary of State unless a draft of the instrument containing them has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.

(8) Where the Secretary of State lays before Parliament the draft of an instrument containing regulations under subsection (1) in respect of which consultation with the National Assembly for Wales is required by subsection (3)(a), he shall also lay before each House of Parliament a document giving details of the consultation and setting out any representations received from the Assembly.

Extinguishment of unrecorded rights of way

53

(1) Subsection (2) applies to a highway in England if—

(a) it was on 1st January 1949 a footpath or a bridleway, is on the cut-off date (in either case) a footpath or a bridleway, and between those dates has not been a highway of any other description,

(b) it is not on the cut-off date shown in a definitive map and statement as a highway of any description, and

(2) All public rights of way over a highway to which this subsection applies shall be extinguished immediately after the cut-off date.

(3) Where a public right of way over land in England created before 1949—

(a) falls within subsection (4) on the cut-off date, and

(b) is not on that date an excepted right of way, as defined by section 54(5),

that right of way shall be extinguished immediately after the cut-off date.

(4) A public right of way falls within this subsection if it is—

(a) a public right of way on horseback, leading a horse or for vehicles over a bridleway, restricted byway or byway open to all traffic which is shown in a definitive map and statement as a footpath;

(b) a right for the public to drive animals of any description along a bridleway, restricted byway or byway open to all traffic which is shown in a definitive map and statement as a footpath;

(c) a public right of way for vehicles over a restricted byway or byway open to all traffic which is shown in a definitive map and statement as a bridleway; or

(d) a public right of way for mechanically propelled vehicles over a byway open to all traffic which is shown in a definitive map and statement as a restricted byway.

(5) Where by virtue of subsection (3) a highway ceases to be a bridleway, the right of way created over it by section 30 of the Countryside Act 1968 (riding of pedal cycles on bridleways) is also extinguished.

(6) In determining—

(a) for the purposes of subsection (1) whether any part of a highway was on 1st January 1949 a footpath or bridleway, or

(b) for the purposes of subsection (3) whether a public right of way over any part of a highway was created before 1st January 1949,

any diversion, widening or extension of the highway on or after that date (and not later than the cut-off date) is to be treated as having occurred before 1st January 1949.

(7) Where a way shown on the cut-off date in a definitive map and statement has at any time been diverted, widened or extended, it is to be treated for the purposes of subsections (1) to (5) as shown as so diverted, widened or extended, whether or not it is so shown.

(8) In this section—

“cut-off date” has the meaning given in section 56, and

“mechanically propelled vehicle” does not include a vehicle falling within paragraph (c) of section 189(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

Excepted highways and rights of way

54

(1) A footpath or bridleway is an excepted highway for the purposes of section 53(1) if—

(a) it is a footpath or bridleway which satisfies either of the conditions in subsections (2) and (3),

(b) it is, or is part of, a footpath or bridleway any part of which is in an area which, immediately before 1st April 1965, formed part of the administrative county of London,

(i) at the side of (whether or not contiguous with) a carriageway constituting or comprised in another highway, or

(ii) between two carriageways comprised in the same highway (whether or not the footpath or bridleway is contiguous with either carriageway),

(d) it is a footpath or bridleway of such other description as may be specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State, or

(e) it is a footpath or bridleway so specified.

(2) A footpath or bridleway (“the relevant highway”) satisfies the first condition if—

(a) it became a footpath or bridleway on or after 1st January 1949 by the diversion, widening or extension of a footpath or, as the case may be, of a bridleway by virtue of an event within section 53(3)(a) of the 1981 Act,

(b) it became a footpath on or after 1st January 1949 by the stopping up of a bridleway,

(d) it is so much of a footpath or bridleway as on or after 1st January 1949 has been stopped up as respects part only of its width, or

(e) it is so much of a footpath or bridleway as passes over a bridge or through a tunnel,

and it communicates with a retained highway, either directly or by means of one or more footpaths or bridleways each of which forms part of the same highway as the relevant highway and each of which either falls within any of paragraphs (a) to (e) or satisfies the condition in subsection (3).

(3) A footpath or bridleway satisfies the second condition if—

(a) it extends from a footpath or bridleway (“the relevant highway”) which—

(i) falls within any of paragraphs (a) to (e) of subsection (2), or

(ii) is an excepted highway by virtue of subsection (1)(c),

to, but not beyond, a retained highway, and

(b) it forms part of the same highway as the relevant highway.

(4) A retained highway for the purposes of subsections (2) and (3) is any highway over which, otherwise than by virtue of subsection (1)(a), section 53(2) does not extinguish rights of way.

(5) A public right of way is an excepted right of way for the purposes of section 53(3) if—

(a) it subsists over land over which there subsists on the cut-off date any public right of way created on or after 1st January 1949 otherwise than by virtue of section 30 of the Countryside Act 1968 (riding of pedal cycles on bridleways),

(b) it subsists over the whole or part of a way any part of which is in an area which, immediately before 1st April 1965, formed part of the administrative county of London,

(c) it is a public right of way of such other description as may be specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State, or

(d) it subsists over land so specified.

(6) Regulations under subsection (1)(d) or (e) or (5)(c) or (d) shall be made by statutory instrument, and a statutory instrument containing such regulations made by the Secretary of State shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

Bridleway rights over ways shown as bridleways

55

(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), the public shall, as from the day after the cut-off date, have a right of way on horseback or leading a horse over any way in England which—

(a) was immediately before 1st January 1949 either a footpath or a bridleway, and

(b) is, throughout the period beginning with the commencement of this section and ending with the cut-off date,

a footpath which is shown in a definitive map and statement as a bridleway.

(2) Subsection (1) has effect subject to the operation of any enactment or instrument (whether coming into operation before or after the cut-off date), and to the effect of any event otherwise within section 53(3)(a) of the 1981 Act, whereby a highway is authorised to be stopped up, diverted, widened or extended; and subsection (1) applies accordingly to any way as so diverted, widened or extended.

(3) Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to any way which is, or is part of, a footpath any part of which is in an area which, immediately before 1st April 1965, formed part of the administrative county of London.

(4) Any right of way over a way by virtue of subsection (1) is subject to any condition or limitation to which the public right of way on foot over that way was subject on the cut-off date.

(5) Where—

(a) by virtue of regulations under section 56(2) an order under Part III of the 1981 Act takes effect after the cut-off date in relation to any footpath which, at the cut-off date was shown in a definitive map and statement as a bridleway,

(b) the regulations do not prevent subsection (1) from having effect after the cut-off date in relation to that footpath, and

all rights over that way which exist only by virtue of subsection (1) shall be extinguished when the order takes effect.

(6) In this section “cut-off date” has the meaning given in section 56.

Cut-off date for extinguishment etc

56

(1) The cut-off date for the purposes of sections 53 and 55 is, subject to regulations under subsection (2), 1st January 2026 1st January 2031.

(2) The Secretary of State ... may make regulations—

(a) substituting as the cut-off date for the purposes of those sections a date later than the date specified in subsection (1) or for the time being substituted under this paragraph;

(b) containing such transitional provisions or savings as appear to the Secretary of State ... to be necessary or expedient in connection with the operation of those sections, including in particular their operation in relation to any way as respects which—

(i) on the cut-off date an application for an order under section 53(2) of the 1981 Act is pending,

(ii) on that date an order under Part III of that Act has been made but not confirmed, or

(iii) after that date such an order or any provision of such an order is to any extent quashed.

(3) Regulations under subsection (2)(a)—

(a) may specify different dates for different areas; but

(b) may not specify a date later than 1st January 2031, except as respects an area within subsection (4).

(4) An area is within this subsection if it is in—

(a) the Isles of Scilly, or

(b) an area which, at any time before the repeal by section 73 of the 1981 Act of sections 27 to 34 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949—

(i) was excluded from the operation of those sections by virtue of any provision of the 1949 Act, or

(ii) would have been so excluded but for a resolution having effect under section 35(2) of that Act.

(5) Where by virtue of regulations under subsection (2) there are different cut-off dates for areas into which different parts of any highway extend, the cut-off date in relation to that highway is the later or latest of those dates.

(6) Regulations under this section shall be made by statutory instrument, and a statutory instrument containing such regulations made by the Secretary of State shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

Creation, stopping up and diversion of highways

57

The Highways Act 1980 (in this Act referred to as “the 1980 Act”) has effect subject to the amendments in Part I of Schedule 6 (which relate to the creation, stopping up and diversion of highways); and Part II of that Schedule (which contains consequential amendments of other Acts) has effect.

Application for path creation order for purposes of Part I

58

(1) An application for the making of a public path creation order under section 26(2) of the 1980 Act may be made—

(a) by Natural England to the Secretary of State, or

(b) for the purpose of enabling the public to obtain access to any access land (within the meaning of Part 1) or of facilitating such access, by the Natural Resources Body for Wales to the National Assembly for Wales.

(2) Before making a request under subsection (1), the body making the request shall have regard to any rights of way improvement plan prepared by any local highway authority whose area includes land over which the proposed footpath or bridleway would be created.

Effect of Part I on powers to stop up or divert highways

59

(1) This section applies to any power to stop up or divert a highway of any description or to make or confirm an order authorising the stopping up or diversion of a highway of any description; and in the following provisions of this section—

(a) “the relevant authority” means the person exercising the power, and

(b) “the existing highway” means the highway to be stopped up or diverted.

(2) Where the relevant authority is required (expressly or by implication) to consider—

(a) whether the existing highway is unnecessary, or is needed for public use,

(b) whether an alternative highway should be provided, or

the relevant authority, in considering that question, is not to regard the fact that any land is access land in respect of which the right conferred by section 2(1) is exercisable as reducing the need for the existing highway, for the provision of an alternative highway or for the reservation of a public right of way.

(3) Where—

(a) the existing highway is situated on, or in the vicinity of, any access land, and

(b) the relevant authority is required (expressly or by implication) to consider the extent (if any) to which the existing highway would, apart from the exercise of the power, be likely to be used by the public,

the relevant authority, in considering that question, is to have regard, in particular, to the extent to which the highway would be likely to be used by the public at any time when the right conferred by section 2(1) is not exercisable in relation to the access land.

(4) In this section “access land” has the same meaning as in Part I.

Rights of way improvement plans

60

(1) Every local highway authority other than an inner London authority shall, within five years after the commencement of this section, prepare and publish a plan, to be known as a rights of way improvement plan, containing—

(a) the authority’s assessment of the matters specified in subsection (2),

(b) a statement of the action they propose to take for the management of local rights of way, and for securing an improved network of local rights of way, with particular regard to the matters dealt with in the assessment, and

(c) such other material as the Secretary of State (as respects England) or the National Assembly for Wales (as respects Wales) may direct.

(2) The matters referred to in subsection (1)(a) are—

(a) the extent to which local rights of way meet the present and likely future needs of the public,

(b) the opportunities provided by local rights of way (and in particular by those within paragraph (a) of the definition in subsection (5)) for exercise and other forms of open-air recreation and the enjoyment of the authority’s area,

(c) the accessibility of local rights of way to blind or partially sighted persons and others with mobility problems, and

(d) such other matters relating to local rights of way as the Secretary of State (as respects England) or the National Assembly for Wales (as respects Wales) may direct.

(3) An authority by whom a rights of way improvement plan is published shall, not more than ten years after first publishing it and subsequently at intervals of not more than ten years—

(a) make a new assessment of the matters specified in subsection (2), and

(b) review the plan and decide whether to amend it.

(4) On such a review the authority shall—

(a) if they decide to amend the plan, publish it as amended, and

(b) if they decide to make no amendments to it, publish a report of their decision and of their reasons for it.

(5) In this section—

“cycle track”—means a way over which the public have the following, but no other, rights of way, that is to say, a right of way on pedal cycles (other than pedal cycles which are motor vehicles within the meaning of the Road Traffic Act 1988) with or without a right of way on foot; butdoes not include a way in or by the side of a highway consisting of or comprising a made-up carriageway (within the meaning of the 1980 Act);

“inner London authority” means Transport for London, the council of an inner London borough or the Common Council of the City of London;

“local highway authority” has the same meaning as in the 1980 Act;

“local rights of way” in relation to a local highway authority, means—the footpaths, cycle tracks, bridleways and restricted byways within the authority’s area, andthe ways within the authority’s area which are shown in a definitive map and statement as restricted byways or byways open to all traffic.

(6) In subsection (5) the definition of “local rights of way” has effect until the commencement of section 47 with the substitution for the references to restricted byways and to ways shown in a definitive map and statement as restricted byways of a reference to ways shown in a definitive map and statement as roads used as public paths.

Rights of way improvement plans: supplemental

61

(1) Before preparing or reviewing a rights of way improvement plan, and in particular in making any assessment under section 60(1)(a) or (3)(a), a local highway authority shall consult—

(a) each local highway authority whose area adjoins their area;

(b) each district council, and each parish or community council, whose area is within their area;

(d) where any part of the Broads is within their area, the Broads Authority;

(e) any local access forum established for their area or any part of it;

(f) Natural England or the Natural Resources Body for Wales (as appropriate);

(g) such persons as the Secretary of State (as respects England) or the National Assembly for Wales (as respects Wales) may by regulations prescribe in relation to the local highway authority’s area; and

(h) such other persons as the local highway authority may consider appropriate.

(2) In preparing or amending a rights of way improvement plan, a local highway authority shall—

(a) publish a draft of the plan or of the plan as amended,

(b) publish, in two or more local newspapers circulating in their area, notice of how a copy of the draft can be inspected or obtained and how representations on it can be made to them, and

(3) As regards their rights of way improvement plan, any draft plan on which representations may be made and any report under section 60(4)(b), a local highway authority shall—

(a) keep a copy available for inspection free of charge at all reasonable times at their principal offices, and

(b) supply a copy to any person who requests one, either free of charge or on payment of a reasonable charge determined by the authority.

(4) Local highway authorities shall, in carrying out their functions under section 60 and this section, have regard to such guidance as may from time to time be given to them by the Secretary of State (as respects England) or the National Assembly for Wales (as respects Wales).

(5) A local highway authority may make arrangements with—

(a) any district council whose area is within their area, or

(b) the National Park authority for a National Park any part of which is within their area,

for the functions of the local highway authority under section 60 and this section so far as relating to the area of that council or to the part of the Park within the local highway authority’s area, to be discharged jointly by the local highway authority and by that council or National Park authority.

(6) Regulations under subsection (1)(g) shall be made by statutory instrument, and a statutory instrument containing such regulations made by the Secretary of State shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(7) In this section—

“local highway authority” has the same meaning as in the 1980 Act;

“the Broads” has the same meaning as in the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988.

Application of ss. 60 and 61 to inner London

62

(1) The council of an inner London borough or the Common Council of the City of London may by resolution adopt sections 60 and 61 as respects their area or any part of it which is specified in the resolution.

(2) On the passing by any authority of a resolution under subsection (1), sections 60 and 61 shall, as respects their area or the part of it specified in the resolution, apply in relation to that authority—

(a) as they apply in relation to a local highway authority other than an inner London authority, but

(b) with the substitution for the reference in subsection (1) of section 60 to the commencement of that section of a reference to the date on which the resolution comes into operation.

Removal of obstructions from highways

Enforcement of duty to prevent obstructions

63

(1) After section 130 of the 1980 Act there is inserted—

(130A) (1) Any person who alleges, as respects any highway for which a local highway authority other than an inner London authority are the highway authority— (a) that the highway falls within subsection (2) below, and (b) that it is obstructed by an obstruction to which this section applies, may serve on the highway authority notice requesting them to secure the removal of the obstruction from the highway. (2) A highway is within this subsection if it is— (a) a footpath, bridleway, or restricted byway, or (b) a way shown in a definitive map and statement as a restricted byway or a byway open to all traffic. (3) Subject to subsection (4) below, this section applies to an obstruction of the highway if the obstruction is without lawful authority and either— (a) the powers conferred by section 143, 149 or 154 below are exercisable in respect of it, or (b) it is of a description prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State and the authority have power (otherwise than under any of those sections) to secure its removal. (4) This section does not apply to an obstruction if— (a) it is or forms part of— (i) a building (whether temporary or permanent) or works for the construction of a building, or (ii) any other structure (including a tent, caravan, vehicle or other temporary or movable structure) which is designed, adapted or used for human habitation, (b) an order may be made in respect of it under section 56 above, or (c) the presence of any person constitutes the obstruction. (5) A person serving a notice under subsection (1) above must include in the notice the name and address, if known to him, of any person who it appears to him may be for the time being responsible for the obstruction. (6) A highway authority on whom a notice under subsection (1) above is served shall, within one month from the date of service of the notice, serve— (a) on every person whose name and address is, pursuant to subsection (5) above, included in the notice and, so far as reasonably practicable, on every other person who it appears to them may be for the time being responsible for the obstruction, a notice informing that person that a notice under subsection (1) above has been served in relation to the obstruction and stating what, if any, action the authority propose to take, and (b) on the person who served the notice under subsection (1) above, a notice containing the name and address of each person on whom notice is served under paragraph (a) above and stating what, if any, action the authority propose to take in relation to the obstruction. (7) For the purposes of this section the persons for the time being responsible for an obstruction include the owner and any other person who for the time being— (a) has possession or control of it, or (b) may be required to remove it. (8) A notice under subsection (1) or (6) above shall be in such form and contain such information as may be prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State. (9) In this section “inner London authority” means Transport for London, the council of an inner London borough or the Common Council of the City of London. (10) Subsection (2) above has effect until the commencement of section 47 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 with the substitution for the references to a restricted byway and to a way shown in a definitive map and statement as a restricted byway of a reference to a way shown in a definitive map and statement as a road used as a public path. (130B) (1) Where a notice under section 130A(1) above has been served on a highway authority in relation to any obstruction, the person who served it, if not satisfied that the obstruction has been removed, may apply to a magistrates’ court in accordance with section 130C below for an order under this section. (2) An order under this section is an order requiring the highway authority to take, within such reasonable period as may be fixed by the order, such steps as may be specified in the order for securing the removal of the obstruction. (3) An order under this section shall not take effect— (a) until the end of the period of twenty-one days from the day on which the order is made; or (b) if an appeal is brought in respect of the order within that period (whether by way of appeal to the Crown Court or by way of case stated for the opinion of the High Court), until the final determination or withdrawal of the appeal. (4) Subject to subsection (5) below, the court may make an order under this section if it is satisfied— (a) that the obstruction is one to which section 130A above applies or, in a case falling within subsection (4)(a)(ii) of that section, is one to which that section would apply but for the obstruction having become used for human habitation since service of the notice relating to it under subsection (1) of that section, (b) that the way obstructed is a highway within subsection (2) of that section, and (c) that the obstruction significantly interferes with the exercise of public rights of way over that way. (5) No order shall be made under this section if the highway authority satisfy the court— (a) that the fact that the way obstructed is a highway within section 130A(2) above is seriously disputed, (b) on any other grounds, that they have no duty under section 130(3) above to secure the removal of the obstruction, or (c) that, under arrangements which have been made by the authority, its removal will be secured within a reasonable time, having regard to the number and seriousness of obstructions in respect of which they have such a duty. (6) A highway authority against whom an order is made under this section shall, as soon as practicable after the making of the order, cause notice of the order and of the right to appeal against it to be displayed in such manner and at such places on the highway concerned as may be prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State, and the notice shall be in such form and contain such information as may be so prescribed. (7) An order under this section may be varied on the application of the highway authority to whom it relates. (130C) (1) A person proposing to make an application under section 130B above shall before making the application serve notice of his intention to do so on the highway authority concerned. (2) A notice under subsection (1) above shall be in such form and contain such information as may be prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State. (3) The notice may not be served before the end of two months beginning with the date of service on the highway authority of the notice under section 130A(1) above (“the request notice”). (4) An application in respect of which notice has been served under subsection (1) above may be made at any time— (a) after the end of five days beginning with the date of service of that notice, and (b) before the end of six months beginning with the date of service on the highway authority of the request notice. (5) On making the application the applicant must give notice to the court of the names and addresses of which notice was given to the applicant under section 130A(6)(b) above. (6) On the hearing of the application any person who is, within the meaning of section 130A above, a person for the time being responsible for the obstruction to which the application relates has a right to be heard as respects the matters mentioned in section 130B(4) above. (7) Notice of the hearing, of the right to be heard under subsection (6) above and of the right to appeal against a decision on the application shall be given by the court to each person whose name and address is notified to the court under subsection (5) above. (130D) Where an application under section 130B above is dismissed by virtue of paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of subsection (5) of that section, the court, in determining whether and if so how to exercise its power under section 64(1) of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 (costs), shall have particular regard to any failure by the highway authority to give the applicant appropriate notice of, and information about, the grounds relied on by the authority under that paragraph.

(2) In section 317 of the 1980 Act (appeals to the Crown Court from decisions of magistrates’ courts) after subsection (2) there is inserted—

(3) Any person who, in relation to the decision of a magistrates’ court on an application under section 130B above, does not fall within subsection (1) above but— (a) is, within the meaning of section 130A above, a person for the time being responsible for the obstruction to which the application related, or (b) when the application was heard, was such a person and was, or claimed to be, heard on the application, may appeal to the Crown Court against the decision on any ground relating to the matters mentioned in section 130B(4) above.

Power to order offender to remove obstruction

64

(1) After section 137 of the 1980 Act (penalty for wilful obstruction) there is inserted—

(137ZA) (1) Where a person is convicted of an offence under section 137 above in respect of the obstruction of a highway and it appears to the court that— (a) the obstruction is continuing, and (b) it is in that person’s power to remove the cause of the obstruction, the court may, in addition to or instead of imposing any punishment, order him to take, within such reasonable period as may be fixed by the order, such steps as may be specified in the order for removing the cause of the obstruction. (2) The time fixed by an order under subsection (1) above may be extended or further extended by order of the court on an application made before the end of the time as originally fixed or as extended under this subsection, as the case may be. (3) If a person fails without reasonable excuse to comply with an order under subsection (1) above, he is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale; and if the offence is continued after conviction he is guilty of a further offence and liable to a fine not exceeding one-twentieth of that level for each day on which the offence is so continued. (4) Where, after a person is convicted of an offence under subsection (3) above, the highway authority for the highway concerned exercise any power to remove the cause of the obstruction, they may recover from that person the amount of any expenses reasonably incurred by them in, or in connection with, doing so. (5) A person against whom an order is made under subsection (1) above is not liable under section 137 above in respect of the obstruction concerned— (a) during the period fixed under that subsection or any extension under subsection (2) above, or (b) during any period fixed under section 311(1) below by a court before whom he is convicted of an offence under subsection (3) above in respect of the order.

(2) Subsection (1) does not have effect in relation to any offence under section 137 of the 1980 Act committed before the commencement of this section.

Overhanging vegetation obstructing horse-riders

65

In section 154 of the 1980 Act (cutting or felling etc. trees etc. that overhang or are a danger to roads or footpaths) in subsection (1) after “public lamp,” there is inserted “ or overhangs a highway so as to endanger or obstruct the passage of horse-riders, ”.

Miscellaneous

Making of traffic regulation orders for purposes of conserving natural beauty, etc

66

(1) In section 22 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (traffic regulation for special areas in the countryside), in subsection (1)(a)—

(a) the words “(other than Greater London)” are omitted,

(b) at the end of paragraph (vi), the word “or” is omitted, and

or (viii) a site of special scientific interest (within the meaning of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981);

(2) In subsection (2) of that section, for “the paragraphs of subsection (1) of that section” there is substituted “ paragraphs (a) to (g) of subsection (1) of that section and referred to in section 6(1)(b) of this Act ”.

(3) After subsection (4) of that section there is inserted—

(5) In subsection (2) above the reference to conserving the natural beauty of an area shall be construed as including a reference to conserving its flora, fauna and geological and physiographical features.

(4) After that section there is inserted—

(22A) (1) This section applies to roads other than— (a) roads to which section 22 of this Act applies, (b) special roads, or (c) any road which is a trunk road, a classified road, a GLA road, a cycle track, a bridleway or a footpath, as those expressions are defined by section 329 of the Highways Act 1980. (2) This Act shall have effect as respects roads to which this section applies as if, in relation to the making of provision with respect to vehicular traffic, the list of purposes for which a traffic regulation order under section 1 of this Act may be made, as set out in paragraphs (a) to (g) of subsection (1) of that section and referred to in section 6(1)(b) of this Act, included the purpose of conserving or enhancing the natural beauty of the area. (3) In subsection (2) above the reference to conserving the natural beauty of an area shall be construed as including a reference to conserving its flora, fauna and geological and physiographical features.

Prohibition on driving mechanically propelled vehicles elsewhere than on roads

67

Schedule 7 (which makes amendments relating to the driving of mechanically propelled vehicles elsewhere than on roads) has effect.

Vehicular access across common land etc

68

(1) This section applies to a way which the owner or occupier (from time to time) of any premises has used as a means of access for vehicles to the premises, if that use of the way—

(a) was an offence under an enactment applying to the land crossed by the way, but

(b) would otherwise have been sufficient to create on or after the prescribed date, and to keep in existence, an easement giving a right of way for vehicles.

(2) Regulations may provide, as respects a way to which this section applies, for the creation in accordance with the regulations, on the application of the owner of the premises concerned and on compliance by him with prescribed requirements, of an easement subsisting at law for the benefit of the premises and giving a right of way for vehicles over that way.

(3) An easement created in accordance with the regulations is subject to any enactment or rule of law which would apply to such an easement granted by the owner of the land.

(4) The regulations may in particular—

(a) require that, where an application is made after the relevant use of the way has ceased, it is to be made within a specified time,

(b) specify grounds on which objections may be made and the procedure to apply to the making of objections,

(c) require any matter to be referred to and determined by the Lands Tribunal, and make provision as to procedure and costs,

(d) make provision as to the payment of any amount by the owner of the premises concerned to any person or into court and as to the time when any payment is to be made,

(e) provide for the determination of any such amount,

(f) make provision as to the date on which any easement is created,

(g) specify any limitation to which the easement is subject,

(h) provide for the easement to include any specified right incidental to the right of way,

(i) make different provision for different circumstances.

(5) In this section—

“enactment” includes an enactment in a local or private Act and a byelaw, regulation or other provision having effect under an enactment;

“owner”, in relation to any premises, means—a person, other than a mortgagee not in possession, who is for the time being entitled to dispose of the fee simple of the premises, whether in possession or in reversion, or a tenant under a long lease, within the meaning of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987;

“prescribed” means prescribed by regulations;

“regulations” means regulations made, as respects England, by the Secretary of State and, as respects Wales, by the National Assembly for Wales.

(6) Regulations under this section shall be made by statutory instrument, and no such regulations shall be made by the Secretary of State unless a draft has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.

Erection or improvement of stiles, etc

69

(1) In section 147 of the 1980 Act (power to authorise erection of stiles etc on footpath or bridleway) after subsection (2) there is inserted—

(2A) In exercising their powers under subsection (2) above a competent authority shall have regard to the needs of persons with mobility problems. (2B) The Secretary of State may issue guidance to competent authorities as to matters to be taken into account for the purposes of subsection (2) above; and in exercising their powers under subsection (2) above competent authorities shall have regard to any such guidance issued to them.

(2) In subsection (5) of that section, at the end there is inserted “ or for the breeding or keeping of horses. ”

(3) After that section there is inserted—

(147ZA) (1) With respect to any relevant structure, a competent authority may enter into an agreement with the owner, lessee or occupier of the land on which the structure is situated which provides— (a) for the carrying out by the owner, lessee or occupier of any qualifying works and the payment by the competent authority of the whole or any part of the costs incurred by him in carrying out those works, or (b) for the carrying out by the competent authority of any qualifying works at their own expense or subject to the payment by the owner, lessee or occupier of the whole or any part of the costs incurred in carrying out those works. (2) In this section— (a) “competent authority” has the same meaning as in section 147 above, (b) “relevant structure” means a stile, gate or other structure which— (i) is authorised by a condition or limitation subject to which the public right of way over the footpath or bridleway was created, or (ii) is authorised under section 147 above, but does not include a structure to which an agreement falling within section 146(5)(b) above relates, and (c) “qualifying works”, in relation to a relevant structure, means works for replacing or improving the structure which will result in a structure that is safer or more convenient for persons with mobility problems. (3) An agreement under this section may include such conditions as the competent authority think fit. (4) Those conditions may in particular include conditions expressed to have enduring effect— (a) for the maintenance of the structure as replaced or improved, and (b) for enabling the public right of way to be exercised without undue inconvenience to the public. (5) Where an agreement under this section has been entered into in relation to any structure— (a) the public right of way is to be deemed to be subject to a condition that the structure as replaced or improved may be erected and maintained in accordance with the agreement so long as any conditions included by virtue of subsection (4) above are complied with, (b) in a case falling within subsection (2)(b)(i) above, as from the effective date the previous condition or limitation relating to the relevant structure shall cease to have effect, and (c) in a case falling within subsection (2)(b)(ii) above, as from the effective date the previous authorisation under section 147 above shall cease to have effect in relation to the relevant structure. (6) In subsection (5) above “the effective date” means— (a) the first anniversary of the day on which the agreement was entered into, or (b) such earlier date as may be specified for the purposes of this subsection in the agreement. (7) For the purposes of section 143 above, any stile, gate or other structure replaced or improved in pursuance of an agreement under this section is to be deemed to be erected under this section only if any conditions included by virtue of subsection (4) above are complied with. (8) A competent authority may not enter into an agreement under this section except with the consent of every owner, lessee or occupier of the land on which the relevant structure is situated who is not a party to the agreement. (9) The Secretary of State may issue guidance to competent authorities as to matters to be taken into account for the purposes of this section; and in exercising their powers under this section competent authorities shall have regard to any such guidance issued to them.

(4) In section 146 of the 1980 Act (duty to maintain stiles etc. on footpaths and bridleways) in subsection (5), before the word “or” at the end of paragraph (a) there is inserted—

(aa) if any conditions for the maintenance of the structure imposed by virtue of subsection (4) of section 147ZA below are for the time being in force under that section,

(5) In section 344 of the 1980 Act (application to Isles of Scilly) in subsection (2)(a) after “147,” there is inserted “ 147ZA, ”.

Minor amendments

70

(1) In section 66(3) of the 1980 Act (works for safeguarding persons using footpaths)—

(a) after “footpath” there is inserted “ or bridleway ”, and

(b) after “barriers,” there is inserted “ posts, ”.

(2) In section 134 of that Act, subsection (5) (which limits the persons who may bring proceedings for failure to restore a public path disturbed by ploughing etc.) is omitted.

(3) In section 300 of that Act (right of local authorities to use vehicles and appliances on footways and bridleways), in subsection (1) after “verges,” there is inserted “ for preventing or removing obstructions to them or otherwise preventing or abating nuisances or other interferences with them, ”.

(4) In section 21(2)(b) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (defence to charge of driving or parking on cycle track for highway authority vehicles), after “verges” there is inserted “ , or the preventing or removing of obstructions to the cycle track or the preventing or abating in any other way of nuisances or other interferences with the cycle track, ”.

Reports on functions relating to rights of way

71

(1) The Secretary of State (as respects England) or the National Assembly for Wales (as respects Wales) may make regulations requiring local highway authorities of a description specified in the regulations to publish reports on the performance of any of their functions so far as relating to local rights of way (whether or not those functions are conferred on them as highway authorities).

(2) Subsection (1) is without prejudice to section 230 of the Local Government Act 1972 (reports and returns).

(3) Regulations under subsection (1) may prescribe the information to be given in such reports and how and when reports are to be published.

(4) Regulations under subsection (1) shall be made by statutory instrument, and a statutory instrument containing such regulations made by the Secretary of State shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(5) In this section—

“local highway authority” has the same meaning as in the 1980 Act, except that it does not include Transport for London; and

“local rights of way” has the same meaning as in section 60.

Interpretation of Part II

72

(1) In this Part, unless a contrary intention appears—

(a) “restricted byway” and “restricted byway rights” have the meaning given by section 48(4);

(b) expressions which are defined for the purposes of Part III of the 1981 Act by section 66(1) of that Act have the same meaning as in that Part.

(2) In this Part any reference to a highway includes a reference to part of a highway.

Part III — Nature conservation and wildlife protection

The Nature Conservancy Council for England

The Nature Conservancy Council for England: change of name

73

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Biological diversity

Conservation of biological diversity

74

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Sites of special scientific interest

75

(1) Schedule 9 (which makes amendments of the 1981 Act to change the law relating to sites of special scientific interest, including provision as to offences) has effect.

(2) A notification under section 23 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 (notification to local planning authorities of areas of special scientific interest) which by virtue of section 28(13) of the 1981 Act as originally enacted had effect as if given under section 28(1)(a) of that Act, shall cease to have effect.

(3) In section 15(2) of the Countryside Act 1968 (which provides for agreements between the Nature Conservancy Council and those with interests in land which is included in an area of special scientific interest, or is adjacent to such land), for “adjacent” there is substituted “ other ”.

(4) After section 15 of the Countryside Act 1968 there is inserted—

(15A) (1) The Nature Conservancy Council may in circumstances set out in subsection (2) acquire compulsorily all or any part of the land referred to in section 15(2). (2) The circumstances are— (a) that the Nature Conservancy Council are satisfied that they are unable to conclude, on reasonable terms, such an agreement as is referred to in section 15(2), or (b) that they have entered into such an agreement, but they are satisfied it has been breached in such a way that the flora, fauna or geological or physiographical features referred to there are not being conserved satisfactorily. (3) A dispute about whether or not there has been a breach of the agreement for the purposes of subsection (2)(b) shall be determined by an arbitrator appointed by the Lord Chancellor. (4) Where the Nature Conservancy Council have acquired land compulsorily under this section, they may— (a) themselves take steps to conserve the flora, fauna or geological or physiographical features in question, or (b) dispose of the land on terms designed to secure that those flora, fauna or features are satisfactorily conserved. (5) In this section, “Nature Conservancy Council” means English Nature as respects land in England, and the Council as respects land in Wales.

Consequential amendments, transitional provisions and savings relating to s. 75

76

(1) Schedule 10 (which makes amendments of the 1981 Act consequential upon the substitution or repeal as respects England and Wales of certain sections in that Act, and also makes other consequential amendments) has effect.

(2) Schedule 11 (which makes transitional provisions and savings relating to the coming into force of section 75) has effect.

Ramsar sites

77

After section 37 of the 1981 Act there is inserted—

(37A) (1) Where a wetland in Great Britain has been designated under paragraph 1 of article 2 of the Ramsar Convention for inclusion in the list of wetlands of international importance referred to in that article, the Secretary of State shall— (a) notify English Nature if all or part of the wetland is in England; (b) notify the Countryside Council for Wales if it is in Wales; or (c) notify both of them if it is partly in England and partly in Wales. (2) Subject to subsection (3), upon receipt of a notification under subsection (1), each body notified shall, in turn, notify— (a) the local planning authority in whose area the wetland is situated; (b) every owner and occupier of any of that wetland; (c) the Environment Agency; and (d) every relevant undertaker (within the meaning of section 4(1) of the Water Industry Act 1991) and every internal drainage board (within the meaning of section 61C(1) of the Land Drainage Act 1991) whose works, operations or activities may affect the wetland. (3) English Nature and the Countryside Council for Wales may agree that in a case where the Secretary of State notifies both of them under subsection (1)(c), any notice under subsection (2) is to be sent by one or the other of them (and not both), so as to avoid duplicate notices under that subsection. (4) Subject to subsection (5), the “Ramsar Convention” is the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat signed at Ramsar on 2nd February 1971, as amended by— (a) the Protocol known as the Paris Protocol done at Paris on 3rd December 1982; and (b) the amendments known as the Regina Amendments adopted at the Extraordinary Conference of the Contracting Parties held at Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, between 28th May and 3rd June 1987. (5) If the Ramsar Convention is further amended after the passing of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, the reference to the Ramsar Convention in subsection (1) is to be taken after the entry into force of the further amendments as referring to that Convention as further amended (and the reference to paragraph 1 of article 2 is, if necessary, to be taken as referring to the appropriate successor provision).

Limestone pavement orders

Limestone pavement orders: offence

78

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Payments under certain agreements

Payments under agreements under s.16 of 1949 Act or s.15 of 1968 Act

79

In section 50 of the 1981 Act (which makes provision relating to payments under section 16 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 or section 15 of the Countryside Act 1968), in subsection (1)(a), for sub-paragraphs (i) and (ii) and the preceding word “to” there is substituted “ to any person; or ”.

Powers of entry

80

(1) Section 51 of the 1981 Act (powers of entry) is amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (1), for paragraphs (a) to (d) there is substituted—

(a) to determine whether the land should be notified under section 28(1); (b) to assess the condition of the flora, fauna, or geological or physiographical features by reason of which land which has been notified under section 28(1) is of special interest; (c) to determine whether or not to offer to enter into an agreement under section 16 of the 1949 Act or section 15 of the 1968 Act in relation to the land; (d) to ascertain whether a condition to which a consent referred to in section 28E(3)(a) was subject has been complied with in relation to the land; (e) to ascertain whether an offence under section 28P or under byelaws made by virtue of section 28R is being, or has been, committed on or in relation to the land; (f) to formulate a management scheme for the land or determine whether a management scheme (or a proposed management scheme) for the land should be modified; (g) to prepare a management notice for the land; (h) to ascertain whether the terms of an agreement under section 16 of the 1949 Act or section 15 of the 1968 Act in relation to the land, or the terms of a management scheme or the requirements of a management notice in relation to the land, have been complied with; (i) to determine whether or not to offer to make a payment under section 28M in relation to the land; (j) to determine any question in relation to the acquisition of the land by agreement or compulsorily; (k) to determine any question in relation to compensation under section 20(3) of the 1949 Act as applied by section 28R of this Act; (l) to ascertain whether an order should be made in relation to the land under section 34 or if an offence under that section is being, or has been, committed on the land; (m) to ascertain whether an order should be made in relation to the land under section 42 or if an offence under that section is being, or has been, committed on the land;

(3) After subsection (1) there is inserted—

(1A) The power conferred by subsection (1) to enter land for any purpose includes power to enter for the same purpose any land other than that referred to in subsection (1). (1B) More than one person may be authorised for the time being under subsection (1) to enter any land.

(4) In subsection (2)—

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

(b) in paragraph (b), for “paragraph (c)” there is substituted “ paragraph (l) ”; and

(5) For subsection (3)(b) there is substituted—

(b) the purpose of the entry is to ascertain if an offence under section 28P, 34 or 42 is being, or has been, committed on or (as the case may be) in relation to that land.

(6) After subsection (3) there is inserted—

(3A) A person acting in the exercise of a power conferred by subsection (1) may— (a) use a vehicle or a boat to enter the land; (b) take a constable with him if he reasonably believes he is likely to be obstructed; (c) take with him equipment and materials needed for the purpose for which he is exercising the power of entry; (d) take samples of the land and of anything on it. (3B) If in the exercise of a power conferred by subsection (1) a person enters land which is unoccupied or from which the occupier is temporarily absent, he must on his departure leave it as effectively secured against unauthorised entry as he found it.

(7) After subsection (4) there is inserted—

(5) It is the duty of a relevant authority to compensate any person who has sustained damage as a result of— (a) the exercise of a power conferred by subsection (1) by a person authorised to do so by that relevant authority, or (b) the failure of a person so authorised to perform the duty imposed on him by subsection (3B), except where the damage is attributable to the fault of the person who sustained it; and any dispute as to a person’s entitlement to compensation under this subsection or as to its amount shall be referred to an arbitrator to be appointed, in default of agreement, by the Secretary of State

Enforcement of wildlife legislation

81

(1) Schedule 12 to this Act (which contains amendments relating to offences and enforcement powers under Part I of the 1981 Act) has effect.

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

(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Part IV — Areas of outstanding natural beauty

Designation of areas

82

(1) Where it appears to Natural England that an area which is in England but not in a National Park is of such outstanding natural beauty that it is desirable that the provisions of this Part relating to areas designated under this section should apply to it, Natural England may, for the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the area, by order designate the area for the purposes of this Part as an area of outstanding natural beauty.

(2) Where it appears to the Natural Resources Body for Wales (in this Part referred to as “the NRBW”) that an area which is in Wales but not in a National Park is of such outstanding natural beauty that it is desirable that the provisions of this Part relating to areas designated under this section should apply to it, the NRBW may, for the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the area, by order designate the area for the purposes of this Part as an area of outstanding natural beauty.

(3) In this Part “area of outstanding natural beauty” means an area designated under this section as an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Procedure for designation orders

83

(1) Where Natural England or the NRBW propose to make an order under section 82, Natural England or the NRBW shall consult every local authority whose area includes any part of the area to which the proposed order is to relate.

(2) Before making the order, Natural England or the NRBW shall then publish, in the London Gazette and in one or more newspapers circulating in the area of every such local authority, notice that they propose to make the order, indicating the effect of the order and stating the time within which and manner in which representations with respect to the proposed order may be made to Natural England or the NRBW (as the case may be), and shall consider any representations duly made.

(3) An order under section 82 shall not come into operation unless and until confirmed—

(a) in the case of an order made by Natural England , by the Secretary of State, or

(b) in the case of an order made by the NRBW, by the National Assembly for Wales,

and, in submitting any such order to the Secretary of State or the Assembly, Natural England or NRBW shall forward to the Secretary of State or the Assembly any representations made by a local authority consulted under subsection (1) or made by any other person under subsection (2), other than representations to which effect is given by the order as submitted to the Secretary of State or the Assembly.

(4) The Secretary of State or the National Assembly for Wales may confirm an order submitted to him or it under this section either as submitted or with such modifications as the Secretary of State or the Assembly thinks expedient.

(5) Before refusing to confirm an order under section 82, or determining to confirm it with modifications, the Secretary of State shall consult Natural England and every local authority whose area includes any land to which the order as submitted, or as proposed to be modified, relates.

(6) Before refusing to confirm an order under section 82, or determining to confirm it with modifications, the National Assembly for Wales shall consult the NRBW and every local authority whose area includes any land to which the order as submitted, or as proposed to be modified, relates.

(7) An order under section 82 may be revoked or varied by a subsequent order under that section.

(8) Without prejudice to the powers of Natural England or the NRBW to vary an order under section 82, the Secretary of State (as respects England) or the National Assembly for Wales (as respects Wales) may by order vary any order under that section made by Natural England or the NRBW; and subsection (1) applies to any order under section 82 made by the Secretary of State or the Assembly by virtue of this subsection with the substitution for references to Natural England of references to the Secretary of State and for references to the NRBW of references to the Assembly.

(9) It is the duty of Natural England and the NRBW to secure that copies of any order under section 82 relating to England or, as the case may be, to Wales, are available for inspection by the public at all reasonable times—

(a) at the office of Natural England or, as the case may be, the NRBW,

(b) at the offices of each local authority whose area includes any part of the area to which the order relates, and

(c) at such other place or places in or near that area as Natural England or, as the case may be, the NRBW may determine.

Functions of certain bodies in relation to areas of outstanding natural beauty

84

(1) The following provisions of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 (in this Part referred to as “the 1949 Act”)—

(a) section 6(4)(e) (duty of Natural England or NRBW to give advice in connection with development matters),

(b) section 9 (consultation in connection with development plan),

(d) section 65(5) and (5A) (consultation in connection with access orders),

apply in relation to areas of outstanding natural beauty as they apply in relation to National Parks.

(2) In section 6(4)(e) of the 1949 Act as it applies by virtue of subsection (1), “appropriate planning authority” means a local planning authority whose area consists of or includes the whole or any part of an area of outstanding natural beauty and includes a local authority, not being a local planning authority, by whom any powers of a local planning authority as respects an area of outstanding natural beauty are exercisable, whether under the 1949 Act or otherwise.

(3) Section 4A of the 1949 Act (which confers on the NRBW functions under Part II of that Act corresponding to those exercisable as respects England by Natural England) applies to the provisions mentioned in subsection (1)(a) and (b) for the purposes of their application to areas of outstanding natural beauty as that section applies for the purposes of Part II of the 1949 Act.

(4) A local planning authority whose area consists of or includes the whole or any part of an area of outstanding natural beauty has power, subject to subsections (5) and (6), to take all such action as appears to them expedient for the accomplishment of the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the area of outstanding natural beauty or so much of it as is included in their area.

(5) Nothing in this Part is to be taken to limit the generality of subsection (4); but in so far as the provisions of this Part or of the 1949 Act confer specific powers falling within that subsection those powers are to be exercised in accordance with those provisions and subject to any limitations expressed or implied in them.

(6) Without prejudice to the powers conferred by this Part, subsection (4) has effect only for the purpose of removing any limitation imposed by law on the capacity of a local planning authority by virtue of its constitution, and does not authorise any act or omission on the part of such an authority which apart from that subsection would be actionable at the suit of any person on any ground other than such a limitation.

(7) In this section “local planning authority” has the same meaning as in the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

General duty of public bodies etc

85

(A1) In exercising or performing any functions in relation to, or so as to affect, land in an area of outstanding natural beauty in England, a relevant authority other than a devolved Welsh authority must seek to further the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the area of outstanding natural beauty.

(A2) In exercising or performing any functions in relation to, or so as to affect, land in an area of outstanding natural beauty in England, a devolved Welsh authority must have regard to the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the area of outstanding natural beauty.

(1) In exercising or performing any functions in relation to, or so as to affect, land in an area of outstanding natural beauty in Wales, a relevant authority shall have regard to the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the area of outstanding natural beauty.

(1A) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about how a relevant authority is to comply with the duty under subsection (A1) (including provision about things that the authority may, must or must not do to comply with the duty).

(2) The following are relevant authorities for the purposes of this section—

(a) any Minister of the Crown,

(b) any public body,

(d) any person holding public office.

(3) In subsection (2)—

“devolved Welsh authority” has the same meaning as in the Government of Wales Act 2006 (see, in particular, section 157A of that Act);

“public body” includesa county council, county borough council, district council, parish council or community council;a joint planning board within the meaning of section 2 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990;a joint committee appointed under section 102(1)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972;... a corporate joint committee established by regulations made under Part 5 of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021;

“public office” means—an office under Her Majesty;an office created or continued in existence by a public general Act; oran office the remuneration in respect of which is paid out of money provided by Parliament

“statutory undertaker” means a person—who is or is deemed to be a statutory undertaker for the purposes of Part 11 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, orwho holds a gas system planner licence under section 7AA of the Gas Act 1986.

Establishment of conservation boards

86

(1) The Secretary of State (as respects England) or the National Assembly for Wales (as respects Wales) may—

(a) in the case of any existing area of outstanding natural beauty, or

(b) in connection with the designation of any area as an area of outstanding natural beauty,

by order establish a board (in this Part referred to as “a conservation board”) to carry out in relation to that area the functions conferred on such a board by or under this Part.

(2) Schedule 13 (which relates to the constitution of conservation boards) has effect.

(3) Where the Secretary of State or the National Assembly for Wales considers it expedient for either of the purposes mentioned in section 87(1), an order under subsection (1) may—

(a) provide for the transfer to the conservation board to which the order relates of any of the functions of local authorities, so far as relating to the area of outstanding natural beauty in question, or

(b) provide for any function of a local authority, so far as relating to the area of outstanding natural beauty in question, to be exercisable concurrently by the local authority and by the conservation board.

(4) Subsection (3) does not apply to functions of a local authority under Part ... III, VII or XIII of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 or under Part 2 or 6 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

(5) An order under subsection (1) may make further provision as to the constitution and administration of the conservation board to which it relates, including provision with respect to—

(a) the appointment of members,

(b) the removal and disqualification of members,

(d) proceedings of the board,

(e) the appointment of staff,

(f) consultation with other public bodies,

(g) records and documents of the board,

(h) the provision of information by the board, and

(i) complaints of maladministration.

(6) Before making an order under subsection (1) in relation to an area of outstanding natural beauty in England, the Secretary of State shall consult—

(a) Natural England, and

(b) every local authority whose area consists of or includes the whole or part of the area of outstanding natural beauty,

and shall not make the order unless satisfied that the majority of those local authorities consent.

(7) Before making an order under subsection (1) in relation to an area of outstanding natural beauty in Wales, the National Assembly for Wales shall consult—

(a) the NRBW, and

(b) every local authority whose area consists of or includes the whole or part of the area of outstanding natural beauty,

and shall not make the order unless satisfied that the majority of those local authorities consent.

(8) An order under subsection (1) which amends or revokes a previous order under that subsection establishing a conservation board—

(a) may be made only after consultation with the conservation board to which it relates (as well as the consultation required by subsection (6) or (7)), and

(b) in the case of an order revoking a previous order, may provide for the winding up of the board.

(9) Subject to any order under subsection (10), where there is a variation of the area of an area of outstanding natural beauty for which there is or is to be a conservation board, the area of outstanding natural beauty for which that board is or is to be the conservation board shall be taken, as from the time when the variation takes effect, to be that area as varied.

(10) Where provision is made for the variation of the area of an area of outstanding natural beauty for which there is or is to be a conservation board, the Secretary of State (as respects England) or the National Assembly for Wales (as respects Wales) may by order make such transitional provision as he or it thinks fit with respect to—

(a) any functions which, in relation to any area that becomes part of the area of outstanding natural beauty, are by virtue of the variation to become functions of that conservation board; and

(b) any functions which, in relation to any area that ceases to be part of the area of outstanding natural beauty, are by virtue of the variation to become functions of a person other than that conservation board.

General purposes and powers

87

(A1) It is the duty of a conservation board established in relation to an area in England, in the exercise of their functions, to seek to further—

(a) the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the area of outstanding natural beauty, and

(b) the purpose of increasing the understanding and enjoyment by the public of the special qualities of the area of outstanding natural beauty,

but if it appears to the board that there is a conflict between those purposes, they are to attach greater weight to the purpose mentioned in paragraph (a).

(1) It is the duty of a conservation board established in relation to an area in Wales, in the exercise of their functions, to have regard to—

(a) the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the area of outstanding natural beauty, and

(b) the purpose of increasing the understanding and enjoyment by the public of the special qualities of the area of outstanding natural beauty,

but if it appears to the board that there is a conflict between those purposes, they are to attach greater weight to the purpose mentioned in paragraph (a).

(2) A conservation board, whilst fulfilling their duties under subsection (A1) or (1) (as the case may be), shall seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the area of outstanding natural beauty... 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 outstanding natural beauty.

(3) Sections 37 and 38 of the Countryside Act 1968 (general duties as to the protection of interests of the countryside and the avoidance of pollution) apply to conservation boards as they apply to local authorities.

(4) The powers of a conservation board include power to do anything which, in the opinion of the board, is calculated to facilitate, or is conducive or incidental to—

(a) the accomplishment of the purposes mentioned in subsection (1), or

(b) the carrying out of any functions conferred on it by virtue of any other provision of this Part or by virtue of any enactment not contained in this Part.

(5) The powers conferred on a conservation board by subsection (4) do not include—

(a) power to do anything in contravention of any restriction imposed by virtue of this Part in relation to any express power of the board, or

(b) power to raise money (whether by borrowing or otherwise) in a manner which is not authorised apart from that subsection,

but the things that may be done in exercise of those powers are not to be treated as excluding anything by reason only that it involves the expenditure, borrowing or lending of money or the acquisition or disposal of any property or rights.

(6) Schedule 14 (which relates to the supplemental and incidental powers of conservation boards) has effect.

(7) An order under section 86(1) may—

(a) make further provision with respect to the supplemental and incidental powers of the conservation board to which it relates or the limits on those powers, including provision relating to the borrowing of money, and

(b) provide for any enactment which relates to or limits the supplemental or incidental powers or duties of local authorities or relates to the conduct of, or transactions by, local authorities to apply in relation to the conservation board with such modifications as may be specified in the order.

Orders establishing conservation boards

88

(1) Any power of the Secretary of State or the National Assembly for Wales to make an order under section 86(1) or (10) is exercisable by statutory instrument.

(2) No order shall be made under section 86(1) by the Secretary of State unless a draft of the order has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.

(3) A statutory instrument containing an order made under section 86(10) by the Secretary of State shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(4) If a draft of an order made under section 86(1) by the Secretary of State would, apart from this section, be treated for the purposes of the Standing Orders of either House of Parliament as a hybrid instrument, it shall proceed in that House as if it were not such an instrument.

(5) The power of the Secretary of State or the National Assembly for Wales to make an order under section 86(1) or (10) includes power to make such incidental, supplemental, consequential and transitional provision as the person making the order thinks necessary or expedient.

(6) The power of the Secretary of State or the National Assembly for Wales by an order under section 86(1) or (10) to make incidental, supplemental, consequential or transitional provision includes power for any incidental, supplemental, consequential or, as the case may be, transitional purpose—

(a) to apply with or without modifications,

(b) to extend, exclude or modify, or

any enactment or any instrument made under any enactment.

(7) The provision that may be made for incidental, supplemental, consequential or transitional purposes in the case of any order under section 86(1) or (10) which—

(a) establishes a conservation board or provides for the winding up of such a board, or

(b) otherwise has the effect of transferring functions from one person to another or of providing for functions to become exercisable concurrently by two or more persons or to cease to be so exercisable,

includes provision for the transfer of property, rights and liabilities from one person to another.

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