http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/37/section/85/2007-05-21Countryside 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 Participation2007-05-21 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 IV851In exercising or performing any functions in relation to, or so as to affect, land in an area of outstanding natural beauty, a relevant authority shall have regard to the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the area of outstanding natural beauty.2The following are relevant authorities for the purposes of this section—aany Minister of the Crown,bany public body,cany statutory undertaker,dany person holding public office.3In subsection (2)—“public body” includesa county council, county borough council, district council, parish council or community council;a joint planning board within the meaning of section 2 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990;a joint committee appointed under section 102(1)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972;“public office” means—an office under Her Majesty;an office created or continued in existence by a public general Act; oran office the remuneration in respect of which is paid out of money provided by Parliament.“statutory undertaker” means a person who is or is deemed to be a statutory undertaker for the purposes of any provision of Part 11 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990Pt. IV (ss. 82-93) wholly in force at 1.5.2001; Pt. IV not in force at Royal Assent see s. 103(3); Pt. IV in force for E. at 1.4.2001 by S.I. 2001/114, art. 2(2)(e); Pt. IV in force for W. at 1.5.2001 by S.I. 2001/1410, art. 2(g)1990 c. 8. 1972 c. 70. Words in s. 85(3) inserted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 165; S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)