Explanatory Notes

Environment (Wales) Act 2016

3

21 March 2016

Commentary on Sections

Part 1 – Sustainable management of natural resources

Section 21 – Crown land

115.This section provides for who may enter into section 16 land management agreements on behalf of the Crown.

116.NRW may enter into a section 16 agreement in relation to Crown land but section 21 means that the agreement must be either made or approved by the appropriate authority, depending on whether the Crown holds the relevant interest in land. The appropriate authority depends on who the Crown land belongs to and is defined in subsection (4). “Crown land” is defined in subsection (3).

117.Subsection (5) provides that any question about who is the appropriate authority is referred to the Treasury.