Statutory Roles

Legislation

Council was established in 1989 under the provisions of the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (Amendment)(Northern Ireland) Order 1989. Its statutory role is also covered by the provisions of The Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002.

Policies and Development Plans (known as Area Plans)

In addition to the provisions of this legislation Council is also consulted on Planning Policy Statements and Development Plans and in many cases planning applications. Some of our responses to these areas of planning can be found on our consultation page. The text of PPSs and Development Plans can be found on Planning Service website .

The Council's functions set out in these areas of legislation include the following:

to advise the Department on matters relating to nature conservation;
to enquire into and report on matters affecting the natural beauty or amenity of any place in Northern Ireland;
to advise the Department on the essablishment and management of national parks, areas of outstanding natural beauty, areas of special scientific interest and nature reserves;
to advise the Minister on the establishment and management of Marine Nature Reserves;
to advise the Department on the protection of wildlife species; and
to advise on payment of grants to voluntary conservation bodies and on promotional and educational activities.