(This note is not part of the Order)
This Order amends the Environmentally Sensitive Areas (South Wessex Downs) Designation Order 1993 (S.I. 1993/86) (“the principal Order”), which designated an area in South Wessex Downs as an environmentally sensitive area. The principal Order implemented Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2078/92 (OJ No. L215, 30.7.92, p. 85) on agricultural production methods compatible with the requirements of protection of the environment and the maintenance of the countryside, as amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No. 2772/95 (OJ No. L288, 1.12.95, p. 35), as in turn rectified by Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1962/96 (OJ No. L259, 12.10.96, p. 7).
Subject to a saving provision, this Order amends the maximum rate of payment to be made by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in respect of the management of downland turf, the creation and management of conservation headlands and the maintenance of improved permanent grassland and low input permanent grassland.
In addition the Order introduces a new management activity in respect of the reversion of arable land to permanent grassland and a maximum rate of payment in respect of the same.
No regulatory appraisal has been made in respect of this Order.