Natural England

MATTERS ARISING REPORT 15 NOVEMBER MEETING

The Secretary of State has announced his decision on the MoD's proposal to use its Otterburn training area within the Northumberland National Park, to test fire and conduct exercises using a new missile system. This follows two public inquiries in 1997 and 1999. The Secretary of State's decision allows the MoD to proceed although the approval is reportedly subject to a myriad of conditions and undertakings.The Inspector and Secretary of State accept that the developments needed to support deployment of the new weapon are in conflict with the development plan and that mitigating measures will not neutralise the impact on the National Park. However, the developments are allowed due to 'exceptional circumstances.'This issue and the MoD's next steps will be raised with their Defence Estates Team at a Director level meeting on 21st November.(prepared by Andy Gale, November 2001)

AP01/38 STRATEGIC APPROACH TO LOTTERY WORK

Since the paper we have had an officer level meeting with Heritage Lottery Fund and identified the need for further meetings with the Market Towns, Finest Countryside, Countryside Capital and Wider Welcome teams to discuss opportunities of mutual interest. Richard Wakeford is due to meet with the New Opportunity Fund's Chief Executive shortly to follow up on the consultation of their third round of funding. Officer level meetings are also due to take place this month with lottery contacts within DEFRA and DCMS to reiterate the Countryside Agency's activities and priorities.(prepared by Lesley Reader, November 2001) 

AP01/39 NATIONAL PARK FUNDING ADVICE TO GOVERNMENT 

The views of Board members have been taken account of in the response to the DEFRA National Parks Review and the Agency response to this will be presented to the Board at the November meeting. The letter to Alun Michael has been amended to take account of the concerns expressed about the treatment of foot and mouth in the park plans.

(prepared by Paul Walshe, November 2001)

 

AP01/40 POLICY COMMISSION ON THE FUTURE OF FARMING AND FOOD 

The Agency's evidence to the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food has been redrafted in line with the Board discussion and submitted to the Policy Commission Chairman, Sir Donald Curry, within the deadline. A copy will be sent to all Board members with the papers for the meeting. The evidence provides a more rounded view of farming and food policy than that of many other organisations and, as such, it will be welcomed by the Policy Commission. A programme to promote the Agency's evidence is under way.(Prepared by David Brooke, November 2001)

AP01/41 RURAL PROOFING: PRE-BUDGET SUBMISSIONS

A draft action plan has been prepared to take forward the activity agreed in the Board paper.(prepared by Marilyn Rawson, November 2001)