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What is a National Park authority?

The South Downs National Park authority is a National Park authority established under section 63 of the Environment Act 1995. All of the existing English National Parks have National Park authorities. They are corporate bodies which deliver the statutory National Park purposes to:

(a) conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Parks; and

(b) promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the Parks by the public.

Following the establishment of a New Forest National Park authority in 2005, Defra commissioned an evaluation of the way the establishment process had been handled (PDF 193 KB) which may have some relevance for the South Downs National Park.

Further information on National Park authorities is available at: www.defra.gov.uk/rural/national-parks/about-npa.htm

When will it be created?

The South Downs National Park authority came into being on 1 April 2010 and will be operational from 1 April 2011.

Authority Membership

The membership of National Park authorities is structured so that national and local interests are both represented on the authority. The Government consulted on membership in respect of the proposed South Downs National Park authority. Following the consultation it was decided that there would be a 27 seat Authority of whom 14 would be district or county councillors appointed by local authorities with land in the Park, six would be parish councillors chosen by the parish councils with land in the Park, and the remaining seven would come from an open recruitment exercise run Defra to identify people with particular skills and expertise of relevance to the authority.

The effect of this is that at least two–thirds of the members will have a local connection.

The National Park authority was established by a Statutory Instrument which was required to be laid before Parliament before coming into effect.

How can I apply to be a member?

Every year the Secretary of State seeks nominations for appointees to the National Park authorities and the Broads Authority.  

Page last modified: 21 April 2010
Page published: 31 March 2009