§ Baroness Nicolasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they intend to set up a local inquiry to consider the designation order for a New Forest national park. [HL4459]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Whitty)Under Schedule 1 to the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, an inquiry must be held into the designation order if a local authority has objected and the objection has not been withdrawn. Several local authorities have lodged objections, which are being maintained. A letter is being sent to all those who have made objections or representations advising them that a local inquiry is to be held and what the scope of the inquiry will be. A copy of the letter is in the Library of the House. The inquiry is expected to start in October.