Outside body

Purpose

Constituted by the Environment Act 1995.

The law requires the Authority to carry out two "statutory purposes" :

·         to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area

·         to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the parks' special qualities by the public

While carrying out these purposes it also has a "duty" to seek to foster the economic and social well-being of the communities within the National Park.

(Relevant legislation:  National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 (National Parks), the Environment Act 1995, The National Park Authorities (England) Order 1996 and amendments in 2006, 2009 & 2015)

Role/ Expectations of Representatives

Attendance at National Park Authority meetings and committees.

Meetings/ Time Commitments

At the Authority AGM, Members agree the Calendar for the coming year which currently includes 6 Authority Meetings, 12 Planning Committee meetings (each preceded by a site visit on the day before the meeting) and 6 meetings of the Programmes and Resources Committee.

Members of Planning Committee do not serve on Programmes and Resources Committee and vice versa, although Chairs and Vice Chairs have an option to attend.

Members are also required to attend for Essential Training which takes the form of workshops with officers approximately 6 times per year.

There is an Allowance Scheme for Member Travel and Subsistence claims.