Explanatory note

This Order amends the Environmentally Sensitive Areas (Pennine Dales) Designation Order 1992 which designates an area in the Pennine Dales as an environmentally sensitive area. The Order amends rates of payment which are applicable in relation to management agreements made under section 18(3) of the Agriculture Act 1986 in respect of agricultural land in the designated area. The rates for land other than meadowland and for additional payment where meadowland is cultivated without the use of fertilisers are increased (from £70 to £90 per hectare, and from £200 to £210 per hectare, respectively) and the rate for meadowland not subject to additional provisions is reduced (from £140 to £125 per hectare). The ceiling for payments under a conservation plan is reduced (from £4,000 to £3,000) (article 3).