Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the rules on the role, responsibilities, and accountability of members of national park planning boards within the UK follow a national model rule book, consistent across national park authorities; and whether applications to vary such rules have to be approved by a Secretary of State.

The Local Government Act 1972 allows local planning authorities (including National Parks) to arrange for the discharge of any of its functions by a committee, sub-committee, or an officer. The operation of such committees, including which applications are considered by members and the procedure by which they are governed, are administrative matters for the National Park Authority.

Like other planning committees, where a decision is made by a National Park planning committee, members should carefully consider all the evidence before them and must be prepared to modify or change their initial view in light of the arguments and evidence presented to them. They must make their final decision at the meeting with an open mind based on this evidence. The law requires that planning decisions are made in accordance with the local development plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise.

National Park authorities must also promote and maintain high standards of conduct by their members. Members have to abide by their authorities’ code of conduct and this must be consistent with the seven ‘Nolan’ principles of standards in public life. National Park Authorities are responsible for ensuring members observe their codes of conduct and maintain high standards.