New National Park moves closer

The park plan needs environment secretary approval

The UK's first National Park to be opened since 1956 is to be put forward for final approval on Friday.

A designation order for the New Forest National Park is being submitted to Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett.

The order details the boundary of the park that has been proposed by the Countryside Agency.

Mrs Beckett is also due to receive advice on the special arrangements required for the "unique" nature of the forest.

Crown land

Ewen Cameron, agency chairman, said the proposal includes 10 measures to address the needs of the area.

He said: "We have considered very carefully all the comments made and used the information given to us in finalising our decisions.

"We are advising the secretary of state to issue special guidance that recognises the special qualities of the area, including...nature conservation...and the privilege of access over the Crown land.

"All of this is reflected in the boundary shown in the order and in the special arrangements for a New Forest National Park Authority that we are recommending."

Mr Cameron discounted the need for new legislation to enable the park to get its final approval, which has been raised during the consultations on the issue.

Leaflets are being sent to all householders in the area around the park, as well as those who responded during the consultation period for its creation.

"It informs them that the designation order has been made and telling them where and when it can be inspected...along with how they can make representations to the secretary of state," added Mr Cameron.

Local authority objections could delay the creation of the New Forest National Park, but it is expected to come into existence in 2003 or 2004.

There are seven existing National Parks in England, as well as the Broads, which has similar status but was created by a special act of parliament in 1988.

There also plans for a future South Downs National Park.