Agenda item

Emily Fox, Head of Strategy and Performance and Matt Mardling, Senior Strategy Officer were present for this item.

Matt Mardling introduced the report and suggested that the date in Recommendation 3 be removed, in case the updated plan was not ready by then.

There had been 219 responses to the consultation, of which 142 came from individuals and 77 from organisations. The results indicated broad support for the special qualities of the National Park.

The Chief Executive confirmed that the National Park Management Plan is produced in partnership with a range of groups and organisations for the whole of the Peak District National Park and is updated every five years, in accord with the requirements of the Environment Act 1995.

Member input into its development had been sought and recognised via the National Park Management Plan Advisory Group and in Member workshops, most recently at the “Forming Our Delivery Plan” workshop at Thornbridge Hall on Tuesday 3 October which was attended by several Authority Members and representatives of partner organisations.

Cllr A Favell urged caution in making changes on the basis of a relatively small number of responses. He expressed concern about the evergreen afforestation of upland areas that were insufficiently grazed and said that this should be the subject of regional and national debate.

Members made several observations and suggestions for officers to consider further.

The recommendations were moved and seconded.

Mr Z Hamid recorded his appreciation of officers’ and partners’ work in compiling the National Park Management Plan.

The Chief Executive extended her personal thanks to Emily Fox, Matt Mardling and the whole Strategy and Performance Team.

The recommendations as amended were moved, seconded, put to the vote and carried.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the results of the public consultation undertaken as part of the update of the National Park Management Plan and changes made as a result of it be noted.

2.    That the timescales for completion of the updated National Park Management Plan be noted.

3.    That Members approve extending the current National Park Management Plan: A Partnership for Progress the Peak District National Park Management Plan 2012-2017 until adoption of the updated plan.