Countryside Act 1968

14 Conversion of moor and heath in National Parks to agricultural land

(1) The Minister may, if satisfied that it is expedient, by order apply this section to any land in a National Park appearing to him to be predominantly moor or heath.

(2) The occupier of any land to which this section for the time being applies, and which is moor or heath which has not been agricultural land at any time within the preceding twenty years, shall not, by ploughing or otherwise, convert any of the land into agricultural land unless he has given six months written notice of his intention to the local planning authority.

(3) If, without the consent in writing of the local planning authority, any person fails to comply with subsection (2) above, whether by failing to give a notice, or by taking some action within the six months, he shall be guilty of an offence.

(4) A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable—

(a) on summary conviction to a fine of not more than £200, or

(b) on conviction on indictment to a fine.

(5) An order made under subsection (1) above—

(a) may be varied or revoked by a subsequent order so made,

(b) shall be made by statutory instrument subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(6) In this section " agricultural land " does not include land which affords rough grazing for livestock but is not otherwise used as agricultural land.

(7) In considering for the purposes of subsection (2) above whether land has been agricultural land within the preceding twenty years, no account shall be taken of any conversion of the land into agricultural land which was unlawful under the provisions of this section.