ABSTRACT
The law relating to development and its control applies to rural areas as it does to towns. However, in view of what many regard as the particular need for preserving the natural beauty of the countryside, and for enabling the public to derive enjoyment and recreation from the externalities associated with many resource stock and service flows in rural areas, additional legislation has been made to reinforce the general requirements of the Town and Country Planning Acts. The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, set up the National Parks Commission. The functions as regards the creation of nature reserves are regulated by the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act. The Conservancy has powers to acquire land or to enter into agreements with owners in order that nature reserves may be established.
