Countryside Act 1968

4 Experimental projects or schemes

(1) The Commission, after consultation with such local authorities and other bodies as appear to the Commission to have an interest, may from time to time prepare and submit to the Minister for his approval proposals with respect to any area for an experimental project or scheme designed to facilitate the enjoyment of the countryside, or to conserve or enhance its natural beauty or amenity, which—

(a) in relation to that area involves the application of new or developed methods, concepts or techniques, and

(b) is designed to illustrate the appropriateness of such a project or scheme to that area or other areas of a similar nature or which present similar problems to that area,

and the Minister may approve in whole or in part or with modifications any proposals so submitted to him, or may refuse to approve them.

(2) The Commission shall concert, promote, or undertake either by themselves or in conjunction with any other authority or person, measures to implement any proposals so approved.

(3) For the purpose of their functions under the foregoing provisions of this section the Commission may—

(a) with the approval of the Minister acquire land by agreement, or may be authorised by the Minister in a particular case to acquire land compulsorily,

(b) hold and manage land, and with the approval of the Minister and subject to the subsequent provisions of this section, dispose of or otherwise deal with land,

(c) erect buildings and carry out works or other operations on land,

(d) provide equipment, facilities and services on or in connection with land or with the use of land,

(e) hold, manage, maintain, hire, let or otherwise dispose of such works, equipment, facilities or services,

(f) exercise any powers to carry out work or to provide facilities or services conferred by this Act or the Act of 1949 on local authorities or local planning authorities,

(g) with the approval of the Minister and the Treasury, acquire by agreement and carry on or set up and carry on, directly or through an agent, or themselves carry on as agent, any business or undertaking relevant to the experimental project or scheme, and, subject to the approval of the Minister and the Treasury, may dispose of any such business or undertaking.

(4) The disposal of land under this section may be by way of sale or exchange, or by the letting of land or the granting of any interest in or right over land, but the Commission shall not under this section dispose of land by way of gift.

(5) The powers conferred by paragraphs (c) to (f) of subsection (3) above may be exercised by the Commission—

(a) on land belonging to them, or

(b) on such terms as may be agreed with the owners and any other persons whose authority is required for the purpose, on other land,

and an agreement under paragraph (b) above may provide for the making by the Commission of payments in consideration of the making of the agreement and payments by way of contribution towards expenditure incurred by the persons making the agreement in consequence thereof.

(6) The provisions of this section, except for that authorising compulsory purchase of land, shall have effect only for the purpose of removing any limitation imposed by law on the capacity of the Commission, and shall not authorise any act or omission on the part of the Commission which, apart from the said provisions of this section, would be actionable at the suit of any person on any ground other than such a limitation.