Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what advice they have given to National Park Authorities on (1) the disposal of land and in particular on publicising and allowing consultation on proposals for disposing of land before decisions are made, (2) the criteria that should be applied in deciding whether to dispose of particular pieces of land, and (3) the priorities that should be applied in such cases.

The Local Government Act 1972 provides local authorities, including national parks, with the powers to dispose of land. It details the procedure to be followed in doing so, including the responsibility to advertise the disposal of any Open Space. ODPM Circular 06/2003 provides additional guidance on the disposal of land at less than best consideration.