(1)Where—
(a)any area has been designated as a nitrate sensitive area by an order under section 94 above; and
(b)the relevant Minister considers that it is appropriate to do so with a view to achieving the purpose mentioned in subsection (2) of that section,
he may, subject to such restrictions (if any) as may be set out in the order, enter into an agreement falling within subsection (2) below.
(2)An agreement falls within this subsection if it is one under which, in consideration of payments to be made by the relevant Minister—
(a)the owner of the freehold interest in any agricultural land in a nitrate sensitive area; or
(b)where the owner of the freehold interest in any such land has given his written consent to the agreement being entered into by any person having another interest in that land, that other person,
accepts such obligations with respect to the management of that land or otherwise as may be imposed by the agreement.
(3)An agreement such as is mentioned in subsection (2) above between the relevant Minister and a person having an interest in any land shall bind all persons deriving title from or under that person to the extent that the agreement is expressed to bind that land in relation to those persons.
(4)In this section “the relevant Minister”—
(a)in relation to an agreement with respect to land which is wholly in England, means the Minister;
(b)in relation to an agreement with respect to land which is wholly in Wales, means the Secretary of State; and
(c)in relation to an agreement with respect to land which is partly in England and partly in Wales, means either of the Ministers.