Broads Authority
Encyclopedia
The Broads Authority is the agency which has statutory responsibility for the Broads
in England. Originally, the Nature Conservancy Council
(now Natural England
), pressed for a special authority to manage the Broads which had been neglected for a long time. In 1978, the forerunner to the present-day Broads Authority was established by the Countryside Commission (now also Natural England
). Ten years later, it had become clear that a statutory body was needed, and a special Act of Parliament
, The Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988 (referred to as the Broads Act) made the Broads Authority into a Special Statutory Authority which gave it parity with national park
authorities.
for the Environment. The Broads Authority was formerly represented by one member on the East of England Regional Assembly
, now defunct.
The Broads
The Broads are a network of mostly navigable rivers and lakes in the English counties of Norfolk and Suffolk. The Broads, and some surrounding land were constituted as a special area with a level of protection similar to a UK National Park by The Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act of 1988...
in England. Originally, the Nature Conservancy Council
Nature Conservancy Council
The Nature Conservancy Council was a United Kingdom government agency responsible for designating and managing National Nature Reserves and other nature conservation areas in Great Britain between 1973 and 1991 ....
(now Natural England
Natural England
Natural England is the non-departmental public body of the UK government responsible for ensuring that England's natural environment, including its land, flora and fauna, freshwater and marine environments, geology and soils, are protected and improved...
), pressed for a special authority to manage the Broads which had been neglected for a long time. In 1978, the forerunner to the present-day Broads Authority was established by the Countryside Commission (now also Natural England
Natural England
Natural England is the non-departmental public body of the UK government responsible for ensuring that England's natural environment, including its land, flora and fauna, freshwater and marine environments, geology and soils, are protected and improved...
). Ten years later, it had become clear that a statutory body was needed, and a special Act of Parliament
Act of Parliament
An Act of Parliament is a statute enacted as primary legislation by a national or sub-national parliament. In the Republic of Ireland the term Act of the Oireachtas is used, and in the United States the term Act of Congress is used.In Commonwealth countries, the term is used both in a narrow...
, The Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988 (referred to as the Broads Act) made the Broads Authority into a Special Statutory Authority which gave it parity with national park
National park
A national park is a reserve of natural, semi-natural, or developed land that a sovereign state declares or owns. Although individual nations designate their own national parks differently A national park is a reserve of natural, semi-natural, or developed land that a sovereign state declares or...
authorities.
Responsibilities
The Broads Authority has to:- conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Broads
- promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the Broads by the public
- protect the interests of navigationNavigationNavigation is the process of monitoring and controlling the movement of a craft or vehicle from one place to another. It is also the term of art used for the specialized knowledge used by navigators to perform navigation tasks...
(as navigation authorityNavigation authorityA navigation authority is a company or statutory body which is concerned with the management of a navigable canal or river.-Rights of a navigation authority:...
) - have regard for agricultureAgricultureAgriculture is the cultivation of animals, plants, fungi and other life forms for food, fiber, and other products used to sustain life. Agriculture was the key implement in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that nurtured the...
and forestryForestryForestry is the interdisciplinary profession embracing the science, art, and craft of creating, managing, using, and conserving forests and associated resources in a sustainable manner to meet desired goals, needs, and values for human benefit. Forestry is practiced in plantations and natural stands... - have regard for the economic and socialSocialThe term social refers to a characteristic of living organisms...
interests of those who live or work in the Broads.
Second act
In 2006 the Broads Authority promoted a second act, the primary purpose of which was to introduce greater safety controls on the broads and rivers. This act received Royal Assent in July 2009.Members
The Broads Authority is not democratically elected. Members are either co-opted from local authorities (to which they are elected) or appointed by the Secretary of StateSecretary of State
Secretary of State or State Secretary is a commonly used title for a senior or mid-level post in governments around the world. The role varies between countries, and in some cases there are multiple Secretaries of State in the Government....
for the Environment. The Broads Authority was formerly represented by one member on the East of England Regional Assembly
East of England Regional Assembly
The East of England Regional Assembly was the regional assembly for the East of England region of the United Kingdom. It was based at Flempton, near Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk. The assembly was created as a voluntary regional chamber in 1998 by the Regional Development Agencies Act 1998. The first...
, now defunct.