Government boost for National Parks welcomed
29 November 2000
Government announcements on National Parks, including a much needed boost in funding, have been welcomed by the national charity the Council for National Parks (CNP) 1.
The Rural White Paper, published yesterday, contains a timely reminder of the "highest level of planning protection" given to National Parks2. The Parks are facing several major threats including a major military development in Northumberland and a huge container port on the edge of the New Forest, which enjoys the same protection as a National Park.
CNP also welcomes the Rural White Paper commitment to provide better training for National Park Authority members on planning.
"National Parks need robust planning protection with the National Park Authorities well equipped to protect these important areas. That also applies to the two areas now being considered as National Parks - the New Forest and South Downs - where there must be no relaxation in the means of providing protection through planning", said Vicki Elcoate, Director of CNP.
The Government has also announced an 8.3% funding increase for National Parks in England.
Vicki Elcoate continued: "CNP welcomes the funding announcement3, which is a further sign of the Government’s commitment to National Parks. The Parks provide tremendous value for money and deliver sustainable development across much of the English countryside".
"However, all of the Parks continue to be underfunded and have still not reached the funding levels recommended by the last major review of Parks in 1991. Today’s announcement is a step in the right direction but the trend must continue to be upwards and CNP will be pressing the Government to deliver the funding level recommended by expert advisers who carried out the review4 ".
The announcement in relation to England’s National Parks follows an indication that the 3 Welsh National Parks will get an 11.02% increase 5, which CNP has welcomed as a vital boost to funding in Wales.
Notes to editors
1 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.
2 The 8 National Parks are the Broads, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Lake District, Northumberland, North York Moors, Peak District and the Yorkshire Dales.
3 The DETR has announced that National Parks in England will receive an extra £1.6 million (£1.1 million in real terms) in 2001/2002.
4 The 1991 National Parks Review Panel recommended a one-third budget increase for National Parks in England, which it viewed to be a fairly modest price to "secure the best of our landscape heritage".
5 The National Assembly for Wales’ draft budget earmarks an 11.02% increase in funding for the 3 Welsh Parks.
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