National Park legislation

National Parks are protected by law for the benefit of the nation. They were established by the 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act and have two statutory purposes:

• To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Parks
• To promote opportunities for the public understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the Parks.

Policies and decisions that could affect the National Parks have to take these purposes into consideration. If there is an irreconcilable conflict between the two purposes then the first one takes precedence. This is known as the Sandford Principle.

National Park Authorities (NPAs) are the bodies charged with the achievement of National Park purposes. They are members of the local government family as well as being independent, special purpose authorities established to act in the best interests of the National Parks and to encourage others to do the same.

In pursuing the two purposes, National Park Authorities have a duty to seek to foster the social and economic well-being of their local communities.

The Broads

The Broads was designated through its own Act of Parliament, the 1988 Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act. It has equivalent status to a National Park and its first two purposes are the same as National Parks. However, the Broads has a third purpose of protecting the interests of navigation which means that the Sandford Principle does not apply.