Protected Landscapes Duty

As the planning authority for the Broads National Park, the Broads Authority is extremely concerned at recent reports which indicate an intention to water down or even reverse the recently introduced public landscapes duty removing the requirement to “seek to further” National Park and National Landscapes purposes.

Whilst it appears the aim is to remove potential blockages to large-scale, housing, business and infrastructure developments, such a sweeping change is not needed in the Broads. There is no evidence that the duty has delayed or prevented appropriate or suitable development here.

Such a move could have potentially dire consequences for the Broads, other National Parks and protected landscapes in the UK. The duty currently encourages a carefully considered approach to planning. It has the potential to protect our most iconic landscapes better and support nature and biodiversity at a time when it is most needed.

The Authority believes that such a change would be a step backwards.

Wednesday 24 September 2025