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