Part 1 E+WNatural England and the Commission for Rural Communities

Chapter 1E+WNatural England

Advisory functionsE+W

3Review and researchE+W

(1)Natural England must keep under review all matters relating to its general purpose.

(2)When reviewing any matter, Natural England must consult such bodies as appear to it to have an interest in the matter.

(3)Natural England may—

(a)undertake research into any matter relating to its general purpose, or

(b)commission or support (by financial means or otherwise) research into any such matter.

(4)In discharging its functions in monitoring nature conservation, carrying out research or analysing the resultant information, Natural England must have regard to common standards established under section 34(2)(c).

4AdviceE+W

(1)Natural England must, at the request of a public authority, give advice to that authority on any matter relating to Natural England's general purpose.

(2)Subsection (3) applies if Natural England has reason to believe that advice given under subsection (1) has been rejected.

(3)At the request of Natural England, the public authority must inform Natural England in writing whether the advice has been rejected and, if so, why.

(4)Natural England may give advice to any person on any matter relating to its general purpose—

(a)at the request of that person, or

(b)if Natural England thinks it appropriate to do so, on its own initiative.

(5)The advice that may be given under this section includes, in relation to any power to make byelaws, recommendations as to the matters in respect of which byelaws should be made.