(1)In 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.
(2)The following are relevant authorities for the purposes of this section—
(a)any Minister of the Crown,
(b)any public body,
(c)any statutory undertaker,
(d)any person holding public office.
(3)In subsection (2)—
“public body” includes
a county council, county borough council, district council, parish council or community council;
a joint planning board within the meaning of section 2 of the [1990 c. 8.] Town and Country Planning Act 1990;
a joint committee appointed under section 102(1)(b) of the [1972 c. 70.] Local Government Act 1972;
“public office” means—
an office under Her Majesty;
an office created or continued in existence by a public general Act; or
an office the remuneration in respect of which is paid out of money provided by Parliament.