Concern over delay for New Forest National Park

22 May 2002

A decision ⁽¹⁾ by the Government to hold a public inquiry ⁽²⁾ into the designation of the New Forest National Park has been given a guarded welcome by the national charity the Council for National Parks ⁽³⁾ .

Council for National Parks’ Policy Director Ruth Chambers said: "We welcome a public inquiry into the Designation Order as it will allow people to have their say on where the National Park boundary will be drawn. This is important as it will enable the Government to draw on local knowledge and expertise in determining where the final boundary should be".

The inquiry will also examine the management and administration arrangements of a National Park Authority, both of which have already been subject to detailed consultation by the Countryside Agency and which are not part of the Designation Order.

Ruth Chambers added: "The Council for National Parks is concerned about the inclusion of administrative arrangements within the scope of the inquiry as this may delay the designation of the National Park. National Park designation is urgently needed to protect the Forest from damaging development like the massive container port proposed for Dibden Bay. We urge the Government and the Planning Inspectorate to ensure that the designation process is completed as quickly as possible.

"We will present evidence to the inquiry that will demonstrate the many benefits that National Park designation and a National Park Authority will bring to the New Forest. This is a great opportunity to demonstrate how a New Forest National Park will be good for the environment, for local people and for visitors".

Notes to editors

1  Announced in response to a Parliamentary Question by Shona McIsaac, MP for Cleethorpes, 21 May 2002.
2  A public inquiry is a normal phase of decision making during the National Park designation process. It is expected to start in October.
3  The Council for National Parks is the national charity that works to protect and enhance the National Parks of England and Wales, and areas that merit National Park status, and promote understanding and quiet enjoyment of them for the benefit of all.

For press queries please contact:
Ruth Chambers, Head of Policy on
020 7924 4077 ext. 222