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| • A New Forest pony, picture from FreeFoto.com |
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Alun Michael, the Rural Affairs Minister, today announced his decision that the New Forest will become a National Park.
The decision is in line with recommendations made by the Inquiry Inspector after a seven-month public inquiry.
Mr Michael commented:
"I have carefully considered the Inquiry Inspector's report. I agree with his recommendations that the New Forest meets the criteria and purposes of a National Park and should be managed by a National Park Authority established under the Environment Act 1995.
"Our National Parks have a vital role conserving our natural heritage, but conservation alone is not enough - the Parks must balance environmental priorities with those of communities.
Today's decision will help protect the unique character of the New Forest - valued by so many people, and acknowledged as a national treasure for nearly a thousand years - whilst recognising that it is a working, living place with social and economic needs".
The Inquiry Inspector has recommended changes to the boundary specified in the New Forest National Park (Designation) Order 2002 made by the Countryside Agency under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.
The changes involve the exclusion of some areas within the Countryside Agency's proposed boundary, and the addition of three small areas outside it.
The Minister is minded to accept the additions, expanding one of them to take in a further area of land. In addition, he has decided to retain two areas within the park that the Inspector recommended should be excluded.
Under the provisions of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 there will be a further period of consultation on the proposed additions before the Designation Order is confirmed.
Details of where the information can be viewed and how objections and representations can be made will be advertised in the national and local press.
When the boundary is finalised, Mr Michael will announce the confirmation of the Designation Order and the date for the creation of the New Forest National Park.
For copies of the Inquiry Inspector's report and maps showing the proposed boundary contact Beverley Parr on 0207 238 6751.
The Minister's written statement to Parliament is available here.
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