§ Lord Hardy of Wathasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will define the word "important" in their consideration of hedgerow protection. [HL777]
§ Lord WhittyThe powers available to the Government under the Environment Act 1995 are to protect "important" hedgerows. The Hedgerows Regulations 1997 define an important hedgerow as one that has existed for 30 years or more and satisfies at least one of the criteria listed in the regulations. The Government are considering whether the criteria should be revised as part of their review of the regulations.
§ Lord Hardy of Wathasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the protection of hedgerows provided by pre-1840 enclosure awards remains in force. [HL778]
§ Lord WhittyThe protection afforded to hedgerows by local enclosure Acts and awards may still be enforceable through the courts, depending on the terms of the relevant Act and the particular circumstances of the case.