National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 — United Kingdom law | Esheria

National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949

This Part sets out how National Parks, nature reserves, long-distance routes, and coastal access are managed, including duties to consult, publish notices, and give greater weight to park conservation purposes in case of conflict.

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Jurisdiction
United Kingdom
Instrument
Act or statute
Version
Undated source snapshot
Language
en
Official source
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byelaws compensation compulsory acquisition consultation environmental regulation land access land management land use local authority powers offences public access regulatory procedure reporting

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Statute overview

About this statute

This Part sets out how National Parks, nature reserves, long-distance routes, and coastal access are managed, including duties to consult, publish notices, and give greater weight to park conservation purposes in case of conflict. The provision sets consultation and information-sharing duties for Natural England and the Secretary of State, rules for temporary routes and access exclusions, powers to modify access arrangements, and offences/penalties for false notices. Local planning authorities and other local authorities get powers to plant trees, do land-improvement works, make and enforce byelaws, appoint wardens, and, in some cases, acquire land or make arrangements with others. The schedule sets out how coastal access objections are handled, including who may object, how Natural England and the Secretary of State must pass on and consider objections, and what the appointed person must decide and report. This segment is mainly a history of amendments and citations affecting sections and definitions, not a standalone operative rule.