Broads Authority

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The Broads Authority is the agency which has statutory responsibility for The Broads.

Originally, the (then) Nature Conservancy Council (now Natural England), pressed for a special authority to manage the Broads which had been neglected for a long time.

In 1978, the forerunner to the present-day Broads Authority was established by the {then} Countryside Commission (now also Natural England).

Ten years later, it had become clear that a statutory body was needed, and a special Act of Parliament, The Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act of 1988 (referred to as the Broads Act) made the Broads Authority into a Special Statutory Authority which gave it parity with national park authorities.

The Broads Authority has to:

• conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the Broads
• promote the enjoyment of the Broads by the public
• protect the interest of navigation
• have regard for agriculture and forestry
• have regard for the economic and social interests of those who live or work in the Broads.

The Broads Authority is represented by one member on the East of England Regional Assembly.