What we do
Our principal responsibilities and services
The National Park Authority will provide services fairly to all sections of the community, often working in partnership with others. In aiming to fulfil the purposes of National Park designation, and to carry out our duties, we:
- exercise joint Development Plan (external link, opens new window) responsibilities with Devon County Council, Torbay Council and Plymouth City Council
- produce a National Park Management Plan containing management policies, and a Local Plan setting out planning policies, which together provide the main policy framework for all our activities
- produce an annual Performance Plan which gives an account of our objectives and actions
- deal with all proposals which require planning permission, listed building consent, conservation area consent, advertisement consent or which have to be the subject of other formal submissions
- give planning advice, including design guidance, prior to the submission of applications
- work closely with housing authorities to facilitate the provision of housing to meet identified local needs
- promote sustainable development, particularly through the Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund, and work closely with all authorities and agencies concerned with the social and economic well being of the National Park communities
- provide grant aid such as for the repair of historic buildings, and for ecological, community, information, interpretation, education and arts initiatives
- carry out and support improvement and enhancement works in towns, villages and elsewhere
- record, protect, maintain and enhance sites, structures and areas of archaeological significance and give advice on their protection and management
- record, protect, maintain and enhance natural habitats and areas of ecological significance and give advice on their protection and management
- provide advice on the care of trees and assist with new tree planting schemes
- influence decisions about new tree planting proposals by others
- enter into agreements with farmers and other owners and occupiers of land to ensure the maintenance of landscape quality
- influence decisions on proposed agricultural improvements
- help to repair and maintain walls and hedgebanks
- assist residents and visitors and monitor the use of the National Park
- Provide a National Park-wide Ranger Service
- Manage public access to open country
- maintain the footpath and bridleway network on behalf of Devon County Council
- enter into agreements to provide for public access and other recreational opportunities
- manage the effects of recreation and tourism pressures and influence the provision of appropriate tourist facilities and attractions in and around the National Park
- work with Devon County Council to manage and control traffic and improve public transport
- publish literature and run a guided walks and events programme to inform and to educate thereby enabling the better understanding and enjoyment of the National Park's special qualities
- provide and support an information network of National Park Centres, community-run information centres and information points
- help schools, colleges and youth groups to gain as much benefit as possible from their visits to the National Park
- manage car parking, build and maintain car parks and provide other public facilities
- carry out research into a wide range of subjects.
Page updated 6 November 2009
