Decision details

The CEO introduced the ambitious draft National Park Management Plan for consultation and thanked stakeholders and those who contributed through the Citizen Assembly for their comments which were genuinely taken into account.  She also thanked the staff who had worked on this draft with skill and pace. There were still a number of changes that the Policy Team wished to consider in order to make policies more active.

The Strategy and Policy Manager gave a presentation outlining the process over a timeline and highlighting the opportunities for engagement by members and the public. She emphasised the ‘big shifts’ in policy since the last iteration of the plan, and the actions needed to achieve these, as well as setting out how the consultation phase would be delivered.

Members were unanimous in their appreciation of the draft plan in terms of quality and ambition, and its dynamic approach. They also applauded the collegiate approach to policy development and congratulated the Policy Team on their work. A member raised some specific points in relation to achieving Carbon Zero by 2037 and the sources of greenhouse gas emissions, and these were noted by officers.

The need for clear messaging was highlighted, both via the Authority’s website and through social media, as well as the need to reach diverse communities outside the Park boundary. These points would be considered by officers. 

RESOLVED:  To approve the publication of the Consultation Draft Management Plan Future Beacons for a 16 week period of consultation.