The statutory purposes of national parks are to conserve and enhance their natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage and to promote opportunities for public understanding and enjoyment of their special qualities. National parks are designated by Natural England, subject to confirmation by the Secretary of State under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.

national planning framework

Designed to consolidate all policy statements (except National Policy Statements referring to Nationally Strategic Infrastructure Projects). This provides a national policy overview that is implemented in Development Plans and can be found here.

national spatial strategy

A neighbourhood planning tool that allows communities to essentially grant planning permission for a specific form of development either on a specific site or over a wider area. The process is subject to independent examination and a community referendum as per a neighbourhood plan.

A plan prepared by a Parish or Town Council or a Neighbourhood Forum for a particular neighbourhood area (made under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004). The plan can set out land use planning policies and the allocation of land provided they are in conformity with strategic policies of the local plan and have regard to national policy and guidance. The process is subject to independent examination and a community referendum.