DARTMOOR National Park Authority members are being asked to consider the next steps in its review of Dartmoor’s byelaws at a meeting tomorrow, Friday.

The authority says the review is aimed at ‘updating the local laws, adopted in 1989, which protect the National Park’s special qualities by explaining what people can and cannot do on land defined in law as Access Land’.

Access on foot and horseback to 35,200 hectares of common land was made a legal right under the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985 and are where the existing byelaws apply.

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 provided a new right of access for walkers to ‘open country’ – around 12,000 hectares on Dartmoor – but with some restrictions. For example, keeping dogs on leads during certain times of the year and no camping.

A spokesperson said: ‘The review looks to consolidate national and local laws and provide a single set of byelaws that are fit for purpose, proportionate and consistent.

‘Work has been informed by legal advice, evidence, impact and sustainability assessments alongside detailed responses from statutory consultees and extensive public feedback.

‘Based on all this, the report to Authority sets out recommendations on a set of proposed byelaws with ‘minded to make’ modifications. The report also explains the background, work carried out so far and next steps.’

Richard Drysdale, director of conservation and communities for Dartmoor National Park, said: ‘We are carrying out this review so there is an updated set of byelaws that provide a framework to manage Access Land and people’s enjoyment of it.

‘This helps protect Dartmoor’s special qualities; recognises the importance of the Access Land for grazing, ensures responsible enjoyment of the National Park and provides a consistency of approach across the various categories of land to which the public enjoy right of access.’

Due to a separate High Court challenge on people’s right to wild camp, the authority will not look to make any amendment to the current camping byelaw until legal action is concluded and the outcome considered. Therefore, the byelaw remains as it is.

NEXT STEPS

Defra has policy responsibility for byelaws covering National Parks. As the enabling body, Dartmoor National Park Authority is responsible for making, amending or revoking byelaws.

Subject to the Authority decision on November 11, and in line with Defra guidance, it is proposed that further views will be sought from statutory consultees and interest groups.

Although there is no legal requirement for another formal public consultation, the Authority welcomes the opportunity for people to comment on the minded to make modifications by email.

A final version of the byelaws will be presented to Members at an Authority meeting in early 2023.

If approved, the updated byelaws will be formally sealed and advertised. After that, they will be submitted to Defra for confirmation and approval by the Secretary of State.