<P> National park authorities are the strategic and local planning authorities for their areas, so that the local district or unitary councils do not exercise planning control in an area covered by a national park . Consequently, they have to perform all the duties of a local planning authority . </P> <P> They are responsible for maintaining the local development framework--the spatial planning guide for their area . They also grant planning consent for development, within the constraints of the Framework . This gives them very strong direct control over residential and industrial development, and the design of buildings and other structures; as well as strategic matters such as mineral extraction . </P> <P> The national park authorities' planning powers vary only slightly from other authorities, but the policies and their interpretation are stricter than elsewhere . This is supported and encouraged by the government who regard: </P> <Dl> <Dd> "National Park designation as conferring the highest status of protection as far as landscape and scenic beauty are concerned ." The Countryside--Environmental Quality and Economic and Social Development (1997) </Dd> </Dl>

Who owns the national parks in the uk