The Future of National Parks in Scotland consultation response

This document contains the Cairngorms National Park Authority's response to the "Future of National Parks in Scotland" consultation. The Park Authority believes an overarching purpose for National Parks should be in policy, not legislation, and should provide a clear direction for the Parks. A national policy statement is needed to provide coherence, recognize different interests, and clarify ministerial guidance. The current aims of the National Parks should be modernized, and consideration should be given to how section 9(6) is applied, defining 'greater weight' formally. To improve partnership working, public bodies should have a duty to implement the National Park Partnership Plan, and funding should be aligned with the plan's delivery. The powers of National Park Authorities are limited, and Ministers should consider what powers are needed as a backstop. Governance should be based on local circumstances, with boards balancing local and national views. Green finance could be crucial but needs to be well-regulated and benefit local communities. Finally, policy 11 in National Planning Framework 4, which opposes wind farms in National Parks, should be considered in appraising new National Parks.