Clause 55 - Notices and signs relating to SSSIs
Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill
6:45 pm
James Paice (Shadow Minister (Agriculture), Environment, Food & Rural Affairs; South East Cambridgeshire, Conservative)
I beg to move amendment No. 130, in clause 55, page 21, line 7, at end insert—
‘after consultation with every occupier of that land’.
The amendment is another one that does not require much explanation. It is straightforward and simple. Needless to say, we support clause 54, which we just ordered to stand part of the Bill, and which changes some of the legislation on the protection of SSSIs. As an aside, I note that the Government have introduced the use of the word “recklessly” in clause 54. That was part of the genesis of the earlier amendment, and the Minister should bear that in mind in his further reflections.
Clause 55, which we are debating, adds to clause 54 provisions covering notices and signs. It simply says that Natural England, the new organisation, will be able to put up signs. I am suggesting in the amendment that Natural England should consult the people who own or occupy the land before putting up those signs. I am not saying that it should not be allowed to put up the signs, or that the occupiers should have a veto, but it is reasonable that the occupiers should always be consulted.
I have tried to touch on the reason for that in other debates. It is straightforward. There is a lot of apprehension in the countryside about what Natural England will be like and about what powers it will have. People’s experience of the current arrangements is not always good. Occupiers of land can be sensitive to what is done on land in which they have an interest. If Natural England is to have good relationships with occupiers of land, it is essential that occupiers know what is being done. Even if it has the power to erect notices, I suggest that Natural England should always consult occupiers before erecting notices. It would help the credibility of the system if that were stipulated in the Bill.
I am sure that the Minister will say, “Of course Natural England will consult and talk to local people”—
Jim Knightindicated assent.