http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/37/section/7/2004-06-21Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000An Act to make new provision for public access to the countryside; to amend the law relating to public rights of way; to enable traffic regulation orders to be made for the purpose of conserving an area’s natural beauty; to make provision with respect to the driving of mechanically propelled vehicles elsewhere than on roads; to amend the law relating to nature conservation and the protection of wildlife; to make further provision with respect to areas of outstanding natural beauty; and for connected purposes.2000-12-07texttext/xmlenStatute Law Database2026-03-18Expert Participation2004-06-21 Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000s. 55ADeregulation Act 2015s. 20s. 115(7)Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000s. 56ADeregulation Act 2015s. 21s. 115(7)Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000s. 56BDeregulation Act 2015s. 22(1)s. 115(7)Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000Blanket amendmentThe Treaty of Lisbon (Changes in Terminology) Order 2011art. 3 4art. 3(2)art. 3(3) 4(2) 6(4)(5)art. 2 Part IChapter I71Before determining an appeal under section 6, the Secretary of State or the National Assembly for Wales may, if he or it thinks fit—acause the appeal to take, or continue in, the form of a hearing, orbcause a local inquiry to be held;and the appeal authority shall act as mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) if a request is made by either party to the appeal to be heard with respect to the appeal.2Subsections (2) to (5) of section 250 of the Local Government Act 1972 (local inquiries: evidence and costs) apply to a hearing or local inquiry held under this section as they apply to a local inquiry held under that section, but as if—areferences in that section to the person appointed to hold the inquiry were references to the Secretary of State or the National Assembly for Wales, andbreferences in that section to the Minister causing an inquiry to be held were references to the Secretary of State or the Assembly.3Where—afor the purposes of an appeal under section 6, the Secretary of State or the National Assembly for Wales is required by subsection (1)—ito cause the appeal to take, or continue in, the form of a hearing, oriito cause a local inquiry to be held, andbthe inquiry or hearing does not take place, andcif it had taken place, the Secretary of State or the Assembly or a person appointed by the Secretary of State or the Assembly would have had power to make an order under section 250(5) of the Local Government Act 1972 requiring any party to pay the costs of the other party,the power to make such an order may be exercised, in relation to costs incurred for the purposes of the inquiry or hearing, as if it had taken place.4This section has effect subject to section 8.1972 c. 70. 1972 c. 70.