News

Call for new members for National Park Authorities, Broads Authority and AONB conservation boards

18th September 2006

The LI is keen to see its members respond to Environment Secretary, David Miliband's call for applications to become members to the following authorities:

* North York Moors National Park Authority (1)
* Peak District National Park Authority (1)
* Broads Authority (3)
* Cotswolds AONB Conservation Board (1)
* Chilterns AONB Conservation Board (1)

Successful candidates will understand the concept and practice of sustainable development, and will be drawn from a broad range of backgrounds that represent the country as a whole. Applications are particularly encouraged from members of ethnic minorities, young people, and disabled people.

The appointments commence in Spring 2007 and are initially for two or three years, with the option of re-appointment for a period of up to ten years.

Expenses and travel to meetings, along with an allowance, are payable to successful candidates.

National Park Authorities work to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage within the Park's boundaries and to help improve public understanding and enjoyment of the area.

The Broads Authority is a member of the National Parks family, but also encompasses the importance of navigation on the Broads. It works to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads, to promote public enjoyment of the area, and to protect navigation interests.

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty have landscape of equivalent quality to a National Park and AONB Conservation Boards have similar purposes of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty and increasing the understanding and enjoyment of the area by the public. Conservation Boards do not have planning powers.

The successful appointees will be expected to provide a national voice, and take a particular interest in strategic issues such as responsibility for conservation, recreation, planning, access, land management and resource issues. However, whether members are appointed by the Secretary of State, the constituent local authorities or the parishes, they are all expected to reflect both local and national interests in their decision making.

Application forms and further details are online at http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/appointments/index.htm or available from Carol Foster, The Countryside Agency, John Dower House, Crescent Place, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 3RA. Tel: 01242 533284; Fax: 01242 584270; e-mail: carol.foster@countryside.gov.uk .

Applications close on Monday, 6 November.
Source: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs