Commentary on Sections Part 4 - Forestry Section 24D
222.NRW can give a notice under section 24D(2) if a notice has been given under section 24C(3) requiring steps to be taken, but before those steps have been taken, the person to whom the notice was given ceases to have the relevant estate or interest in the land.
223.This situation could arise, for example, if the land that is the subject of a section 24C(3) notice changes hands before steps set out in the notice have been taken.
224.In those circumstances, section 24D provides that NRW, as the appropriate forestry authority, can serve a notice on a person who has the relevant estate or interest in the land, requiring that person to take the steps that were previously set out in the section 24C(3) notice (within a period specified in the notice).
225.Section 24D(5) provides that it is an offence for a person not to take the steps required by a section 24D(2) notice unless they have a reasonable excuse. This offence is summary only and is punishable by a fine. As with section 24C(3) notices, if the steps required by a section 24D(2) notice have not been taken within the specified period, NRW may enter onto the land to take the steps itself (under section 24D(4)).