Invasive Alien Species

The European Commission has just launched a Consultation on a dedicated legislative instrument on invasive alien species. If you wish to take part in this then please complete the questionnaire which can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/consultations/invasive_aliens.htm

CAP Reform Post 2013 - Defra Consultation

Following the draft legal proposals for CAP reform published by the European Commission in October 2011, Defra has now launched a public consultation:

See:

Defra discussion paper and Defra questionnaire.

5th March 2012

NAAONB response expected 12 Feb

Habitats and Birds Directive - Review of Implementation

Defra has announced a review of the implementation of the EU Birds and Habitats Directives in the UK . The purpose of the Review is to assess: 'The Habitats and Wild Birds Directives as currently implemented in England by the Habitats Regulations and Offshore Marine Conservation Regulations, focussing in particular on those obligations that affect the authorisation process for proposed development, with a view to reducing the burdens on businesses while maintaining the integrity of the purpose of the directives.'

Two of the areas of focus for the review include: (a) Whether the approach taken by competent authorities is appropriate, particularly in relation to risk, or whether the requriements of the legislation are applied too or insufficeintly rigorously; and whether competent authorities and statutory conservation advisers could explore more creative solutions; and (b) Whether JNCC and NE's approach to the provision of advice to competent authorities is appropriate, or takes an excessively or insufficiently precautionary approach.

While focussing mainly on the authorisation process for proposed development, the review could also examine other areas of the legislation, for example in relation to site designations, management agreements or specific issues raised by interested parties.

Where appropriate, the review will make recommendations for further action, including identifying any areas which could be raised with the European Commission.

See: http://www.defra.gov.uk/rural/protected/habitats-wildbirds-review/

Review reports March 2012

Comments to ddixon

Relaxing the Restrictions on the Deployment of Overhead Telecommunications Lines.

The proposals allow the deployment of new overhead telecoms lines, which help deliver superfast broadband into areas that would otherwise not be served by the market. This consultation sets out how the Government intends to implement this, and what protections will remain in place for communities and rural areas.

See: http://www.culture.gov.uk/consultations/8652.aspx

Measuring National Well Being

ONS are consulting on proposals for domains and headline measures of national well-being. These proposals build on the responses to the national debate on measuring national well-being in 2010-11, research into well-being and related international initiatives. The proposals are part of the Office for National Statistics Measuring National Well-being (MNW) Programme.

SEE: Discussion paper

ONS website: http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/user-guidance/well-being/index.html

DCLG Consultation on Environmental Reports on the Revocation of Regional Plans

These environmental reports are consultation documents on the likely significant environmental effects of revocation of Regional Plans - Regions covered incl; south west, west midlands, east midlands, south east, Yorkshire & Humberside, north east, north west and east of england.

See: http://www.communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding/publications/consultations/

January 20th 2012

Neighbourhood Planning Regulation

The Localism Bill leaves various procedural and technical requirements of the neighbourhood planning system to regulations. This consultation seeks views on whether the proposed neighbourhood planning regulations are fit for purpose.

See:http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/planningregulationsconsultation

January 5th 2012

Final national response

Community Infrastructure Levy: Detailed proposals and draft regulations for reform

This consultation seeks views on the detailed implementation of the Government's proposals to the Community Infrastructure Levy.

See: http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/cilreformconsultation

December 30th 2011

Biodiversity 2020 - Developing Indicators for measuring success

A Defra technical discussion paper seeking views on options for developing a set of headline indicators to track progress with Biodiversity 2020 the new strategy for Englands wildlife and ecosystem services.

see: http://www.defra.gov.uk/consult/2011/08/19/biodiversity-2020/

November 11th

NAAONB response

Final

Draft National Planning Policy Framework

The Coalition Government has published the draft National Planning Policy Framework for consultation. This is a key part of reforms to make the planning system less complex and more accessible, and to promote sustainable growth.

See:

http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/draftframework

Closes 17 Oct

NAAONB response FINAL

Cover letter

Natural England: Public consultation on improving Compliance and Enforcement: implementing new Civil Sanctions

Natural England are currently consulting on a draft Compliance and Enforcement Position and draft Enforcement Guidance.

Full details of the consultation and how to respond can be found below:

http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/consultations/enforcement.aspx

Natural England: Environmental impact assessment public guidance review

This Natural England consultation seeks views on the Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture) (England) (No.2) Regulations 2006. Responses are requested from farmers, other land managers and owners.

see:

http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/position/consultations/eiaregs.aspx

Energy Policy And Planning in Wales

The National Assembly for Wales¡¦ Environment and Sustainability Committee invites response to their inquiry into energy policy and planning in Wales.
The Committee will examine how the UK Government¡¦s policies regarding energy production affect the Welsh Government¡¦s own plans.

The Committee will also consider the implications for Wales if responsibility for consenting major onshore and offshore energy infrastructure projects remains with the UK Government.

Also to be considered are the potential impacts of consenting decisions concerning major infrastructure projects and associated development if they¡¦re not taken in accordance with Welsh planning policy.

The Committee would also like to hear about how new forms of energy generation in Wales could contribute to meeting the Welsh Government¡¦s annual targets for greenhouse gas emission reduction. See:

Consultation pdf (Eng)

Consultation pdf (Welsh)

Independent Panel On Forestry - Call for Views

The Independent Panel on Forestry would like to hear views on forests and woods in England, and what this part of our landscape can and should provide, now and in the future. The Panel has been set up to advise Government on the future of England¡¦s forests and woods by April 2012. The Panels terms of reference, state that it should advise ¡§on the future direction of forestry and woodland policy in England¡¨. This includes, but is not limited to, the work of the Forestry Commission, forests and woods in public, private and charitable ownership, the economics of forestry, public benefits such as well being, access for leisure pursuits and the role of forests and woods, and related open habitat, in the wider natural environment.

More information at:

http://www.defra.gov.uk/rural/forestry/panel/

http://archive.defra.gov.uk/rural/forestry/documents/forestry-panel-callforviews-110519.pdf

19th May

Closes 31 July

NAAONB final

Changes to Irish Sea Airspace

NATS are holding a consultation on proposed changes to airspace in the Irish Sea area and this includes some changes over North Wales and West Lancashire.

The downloadable material for this consultation, including a summary, can be found at the following NATS web address:
www.nats.co.uk

Consultation on the draft Good Practice Guide for Local Listing.

English Heritage have worked very closely with the sector through all stages in the production of this draft guidance document which pulls together good practice on local lists that currently operate across England. It provides non-statutory advice to local authorities and members of the community with an interest in developing a new list, or making improvements to an existing list.

The draft Guide and the Consultation Response Form can be found on the English Heritage website at:

www.english-heritage.org.uk/caring/listing/local/local-designations/local-list

National Association for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Business and Strategic Plan 2011-2014 Consultation

Draft documents are available for comments:

• Draft Strategic Plan 2011-2014
• Draft Business Plan 2011-2014
• Appendix 1
• Appendix 2
• Appendix 3

Comments to NAAONB

Consultation on fast-track review of Feed-in Tariffs for small scale low carbon electricity

This consultation seeks views on proposed bands and accompanying changes to the tariffs for solar photovoltaics (PV) over 50KW and farm-scale Anaerobic Digestion (AD).

Subject to the responses received to this consultation DECC are aiming to introduce these changes by amending the FIT payment rate table in Condition 33 of the Standard Conditions of Electricity Supply licenses. Subject to consultation and the parliamentary process set out in the Energy Act 2008, and state aid approval from the European Commission, our intention is that these changes will be made in July 2011 and take effect from 1 August.

If you are unable to submit your response online please use the template below and submit by email to: rfi@decc.gsi.gov.uk.

This consultation is also being used to issue a call for evidence on the FITs comprehensive review. Evidence received will feed into the scope of this review (which we will be consulting on later in the year) and help inform if further changes to the legislation are necessary. We are seeking views on this by Tuesday 12 April 2011.

Deadline May 6th

Final NAAONB response

The Government is carrying out a wide ranging review to establish the legal duties placed on local authorities which are no longer needed and to remove them. See: www.communities

Deadline April 25th

Final NAAONB comments

Future of the Public Forest Estate

A consultation about the future ownership and management of the public forest estate in England ¡V land managed by the Forestry Commission on behalf of the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

It sets out the rationale for a move away from the Government owning and managing significant areas of woodlands in England and the principles which will guide the Government in deciding the way forward. The consultation proposes a mixed model approach to reforming the ownership and management of the public forest estate to create a far greater role for civil society, businesses and individuals.

We invite views on the mixed model approach, the criteria for deciding which parts of the estate fit within each model, the principles guiding each model, the safeguards for providing public benefits, and alternative approaches. We also invite views on the implications for the future role of the Forestry Commission in England of these proposals.

More Info: LINK

Date Publication Jan 27th

Deadline: April 12th

WITHDRAWN

Shaping the future - Consultation on the Heritage Lottery Fund's Strategic Framework 2013-2019

A public consultation on the future of Lottery funding for heritage from 2013-2019.

The Government¡¦s announcement of an increase Lottery good causes income from 16.7% to 20% by 2012-2013, amounting to around ¢G50 million extra money a year. From 2013 to 2019 HLF will have an annual awards budget of around ¢G300 million.

At the same time, reductions in central Government and local authority spending mean there will be significantly less public investment in heritage across the UK during the next four years.

This is your opportunity to tell HLF:

what they should continue doing;
what they may need to do differently;
and what new initiatives or measures could have the greatest impact.

Please register and respond at:

http://www.hlf.org.uk/consultation2011

Deadline 26th April

 Final

NAAONB

Comments

Visit England Consultation on the Strategic Plan 2010-2020

Visit England is looking for feedback on its strategic plan ¡V there are 9 action plans addressing, amongst other things, destination management, coastal resorts, wise growth, access and rural tourism. See:

http://www.enjoyengland.com/corporate/corporate-information/England-tourism-framework/news.aspx

Deadline 18 March

Final NAAONB response

National Grid Undergrounding Consultation

National Grid are seeking views from industry, government, non-governmental and environmental stakeholders as well as from the public.

Once the consultation is completed, we will carefully consider all the responses received. The feedback gained throughout this consultation will be used to inform our new approach to undergrounding, which we plan to publish in April 2011.

If you would like to provide feedback on National Grid’s approach to undergrounding you can submit this by completing our undergrounding consultation questionnaire.

See: http://www.nationalgrid.com/uk/Electricity/UndergroundingConsultation/

LINK

Date Publication: December

Deadline Date March 16th 2011

Final

The Planning Minister Greg Clarke has announced a review of planning policy, designed to consolidate policy statements, circulars and guidance documents into a single consolidated National Planning Policy Framework. The new Framework will be:

localist in its approach, handing power back to local communities to decide what is right for them
used as a mechanism for delivering Government objectives only where it is relevant, proportionate and effective to do so and
user-friendly and accessible, providing clear policies on making robust local and neighbourhood plans and development management decisions
It is important that planning professionals, local authorities, community groups and members of the public have an opportunity to shape the new Framework.

The Minister has invited organisations and individuals to offer their suggestions to the Department on what priorities and policies we might adopt to produce a shorter, more decentralised and less bureaucratic National Planning Policy Framework.

Deadline 28th Feb

NAAONB Final response

New Marine Natura 2000 Sites: Special areas of conservation and special protection areas

Departments: Natural England
Document type: Consultation paper

This consultation seeks views on 10 possible marine special areas of conservation and two potential special protection areas in English, Welsh and offshore waters around the UK.

Link: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/marine/sacconsultation/default.aspx

Date of publication:
27 November 2009
Deadline date:
26 February 2011

Future EU co-financing of Natura 2000 Network

The European Commission plans to issue a new Communication on financing Natura 2000, foreseen for mid 2011, in collaboration with Member States, to assess whether the integration approach to financing NATURA 2000 has been adequate for the effective implementation of the network.
As an essential input to this process, the Commission has just launched an online public consultation to gather the views of different stakeholders aiming to identify ways of enhancing the success of financing Natura 2000.
The consultation is addressed to public authorities, the private sector, environmental stakeholders and interested citizens in general. This common exercise will provide a valuable opportunity to share experiences and draw lessons from the current integration model.

See:http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/financing/index_en.htm

LINK

December 2010

Deadline 17 February 2011

The National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy for England: A consultation

Departments: Environment Agency

Summary:
This consultation, within the 2010 consultations section, seeks views to help shape the final strategy and to ensure that future roles and responsibilities in flood and coastal erosion risk management are clear.

See consultation at: Link

https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/portal/ho/flood/fcerm/strategy

Future funding of flood and coastal erosion risk management in England

Departments: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Summary:
This consultation seeks views on potential reforms to the way in which capital grant-in-aid is allocated to projects in England in order to manage the risk of flooding and coastal erosion. Responses are requested from risk management operating authorities in England as well as other professional flood risk management partners in the public, private and voluntary sectors, communities, businesses, land owners and others living, working or operating in areas at risk of flooding and coastal erosion.

See at: Link

English Biodiversity Strategy

The following principles are proposed for the new EBS.It will:

• be ambitious and deliverable, setting out the ambition for biodiversity and the strategy to 2020 for achieving it;

• be framed by the structure of the five strategic aims set out in the Convention on Biological Diversity Strategic (CBD) Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020.

• set out an enabling framework for biodiversity action across England by partners at all levels;

More Information: LINK

Consultation documents for 10th Feb:

Paper 1

Paper 2

Expected May 2011

NAAONB views on EBG consultation papers Final

Workshop sessions Feb/March

Consultation on Data Burdens by DCLG

It is vital for central government to ask local authorities to collect some data. Some information is necessary in order for government to meet its international obligations, and to account to Parliament and the public for its performance.

Collecting and reporting data, however, requires time and money, and the demands for data made by Whitehall can represent a significant burden on local authorities.

We want to ensure that every request for information made by Whitehall is necessary, proportionate and justified. In October 2010, the Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, announced that Government will be establishing a single transparent list of every piece of data that central government requires from councils.

This list will provide in one place a single, clear list of the minimum data central Government needs from local authorities. The list will be open to regular review, scrutiny and challenge. It is our intention that it will take effect from April 2011. After that date, all the information that local authorities should expect to be asked to provide to central government should be on the list.

LINK

Deadline Feb 4th

NAAONB Final Response

Defra’s draft Structural Reform Plan published on 16 July delivers the coalition agreement commitment ‘to review the governance arrangements of National Parks in order to increase local accountability’.

Although the majority of the National Park Authorities have broadly similar governance arrangements, it is felt that the most effective way to undertake the Review is for each Authority to consult locally on potential changes which would work best for their areas, whilst at the same time reflecting the status of the Parks as national assets. This consultation does not therefore contain proposals for any particular structures or arrangements, but instead provides a remit for the Review on which each Authority will base local consultation.

http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/nationalpark-governance/index.htm

LINK

Consultation start: Open date 09 Nov
Consultation end: Feb 1st 2011

Final

Future of European Union Financial Instruments for the Environment

The European Commission has just launched an online public consultation to gather views on the next financial instrument for the environment, to succeed LIFE+ in the period 2014-2020. We welcome your opinions on its objectives, priorities and support modalities.

See: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/consultations/life.htm

LINK

Date of publication:
December 2010
Deadline date:
30 January 2011

Online questionnaire submitted

The Business Plan brings together Departmental priorities (i.e. our three Structural Reform Plan priorities plus our two priorities on preparing and managing risk under our "other major responsibilities") and our contribution to the Government's new system of democratic accountability, through improved public transparency.

The Transparency section of the Business Plan (pages 18-24) contains our Information Strategy, which describes the steps Defra is taking to make our data and information publicly available. It includes a proposed list of input and impact indicators, with their related datasets, which can be used to assess Defra's performance in our key priority areas.

The following documents may be found on Defra's website:

Consultation letter (with details on how to respond)
Defra's Business Plan (including the Transparency section)
They can be downloaded from the following address:
www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/info-strategy/index.htm

Published 8 Nov

Deadline 30th Jan 2011

NAAONB response final

Reform of Common Agricultural Policy - Toward 2020

For details see:

http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/cap-post-2013/communication/com2010-672_en.pdf

LINK

Published Nov 18th

Deadline 25th Jan 2011

Final

Revised Draft National Policy Statements (NPSs) on Energy

The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, has launched the consultation on the coalition’s revised draft National Policy Statements (NPSs) on Energy.

The Energy NPSs will be critical to delivering low-carbon energy supplies through the role they will play in the planning system, as well as helping to create the right environment for business to invest in the energy market. Decisions on new nationally significant energy infrastructure projects will be taken in accordance with the framework of policies set out in the Energy NPSs,

More information about this new consultation can be viewed at www.energynpsconsultation.decc.gov.uk.

Date Publication: 18 Oct

Deadline 24th January 2011

CCWWD AONB response

Biodiversity Offsetting

Defra have launched a further consultation to help shape the natural environment - assessing the scope for actions to offset the impacts of developments on biodiversity in England.

They are seeking written comments of 2000 words or less to address a range of issues. Organisations and interested individuals with relevant expertise are welcome to submit contributions by the end of January 2011. Full details of how to take part are available on the Defra Biodiversity Offsetting website www.defra.gov.uk/environment/biodiversity/offsetting/

Considered views gathered from this process will feed into the wider consultation on the Natural Environment White Paper due to be released in Spring 2011.

Deadline 31st Janaury 2011

Final NAAONB response

A Living Wales – a new framework for our environment, our countryside and our seas
Welsh government is developing a Natural Environment Framework (NEF). The framework will have a stronger focus on sustainable land and marine management in Wales based on the ecosystem approach. The framework will also address climate change pressures on the environment. for details see:

http://wales.gov.uk

Date of publication:
15 September 2010
Deadline date:
31 December 2010

NAAONB response expected

Comments welcome.

Micro-generation Strategy Consultation

Dept of Energy & Climate Change

This consultation, covering England only, seeks views on four key policy areas that can help decarbonise the way homes and businesses are heated, reducing the UK’s CO2 emissions and contributing to the target of sourcing 20 per cent of all EU energy from renewables by 2020

Online consultation at:

http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/consultations/microgen_strat/microgen_strat.aspx

July 12th published

December 22 deadline

final

NAAONB response

Launch date: 28 Sept Closing date: 20 Dec 2010

final

NAAONB response

Natural environment: an invitation to shape the nature of England

Protecting the environment and enhancing biodiversity is one of Defra’s top 3 priorities, as outlined in the Department’s Structural Reform Plan.

A key commitment under this priority is the publication of a White Paper on the natural environment by spring 2011. We want all interested parties to have a say in shaping the development of the White Paper.

What are your views on the natural environment?
If you live in England, tell us which parts of the natural environment matter most to you and how we can best protect and enhance them.

Whether you live in a rural or an urban area, tell us your views by visiting our online survey and answering four short questions:

Which parts of the natural environment matter most to you?
How do you feel you benefit from the natural environment?
How do you think we could improve the natural environment?
What would encourage you to get involved in protecting the natural environment?

Link: http://ww2.defra.gov.uk/our-responsibilities/nat-environment/

The deadline for responses to Defra was 30 October 2010.

NAAONB response:

final

NEW GUIDANCE ON ASSESSING LAND FOR DESIGNATION AS AN AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY OR A NATIONAL PARK

Natural England has prepared draft guidance that sets out how we will assess whether land is suitable for AONB or National Park designation. The guidance is aimed at a professional audience and its main users will be our own technical staff responsible for landscape conservation work. The guidance has been informed by our recent experience of designating the New Forest and the South Downs National Parks, and has benefitted from comments provided by a range of consultees affected by current work to vary the boundaries of the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales National Parks. The draft guidance has also been reviewed by legal professionals to ensure it complies with relevant current legislation.

NE are now inviting every English Local Authority, Parish Council, National Park Authority and AONB Partnership/Conservation Board to comment on our draft guidance before it is finalised and disseminated. The draft guidance can be found

http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/Images/NEBBR1801Annex%201_tcm6-15133.pdf

Date of publication:
24th August 2010
Deadline date:
8th October 2010

NAAONB response

Final

Consultation on the Setting of Heritage Assets: English Heritage guidance

Departments: English Heritage
Document type: Consultation paper

Summary: This consultation seeks views on the draft guidance offered by English Heritage on the interpretation of the policies and guidance on the setting of heritage assets. Responses are requested in particular on the definition of setting, the contribution that setting makes to the heritage significance of places and approaches to assessing the implications of change within setting.

Link: http://www.helm.org.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.17893

Date of publication:
30 July 2010
Deadline date:
26 November 2010

NAAONB final text

Marine Policy Statement

Defra consultation on the Marine Policy Statement (UK) that will be the first part of a new system of marine planning being introduced around the UK. It will provide the high level policy context within which Marine Plans will be developed, and set the direction for marine licensing and other relevant authorisation systems.

The Marine Policy Statement will be the overarching policy framework for the UK marine area.

Link: http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/marine-policy/index.htm

Date of Publication: 21 July 2010

Deadline 13 October 2010

NAAONB response final