Battles lines drawn over plans to extend the Dales into Lancashire

Six local authorities have objected to Natural England’s proposals to extend the boundaries of both the Dales and the Lake District national parks, increasing their combined area by 200 square miles.

The issue has been hugely contentious in Yorkshire, where many residents are fiercely proud of the national park’s identity.

Last night North Yorkshire County Council confirmed it was one of the authorities which has objected to the scheme. Leader Coun John Weighell said: “We believe this is the wrong time, and we also believe strongly the Yorkshire Dales National Park should be fairly and squarely in Yorkshire – and not be further expanding into neighbouring counties.”

Environment Minister Richard Benyon said thousands of people had responded to a public consultation, and that the intervention of local councils meant a public inquiry must be held.

“Over 3,000 objections, representations or expressions of support were received in response to the proposals,” he said.

A planning inspector will now be appointed, before a pre-inquiry meeting takes place in March.

The full hearings, which could last four weeks, are expected to begin in early June.

The inspector will then make recommendations to Environment Secretary Owen Paterson, who must decide whether to modify, approve or reject the plan.

A Natural England spokesman said: “We welcome the announcement of a public inquiry into the proposed extension of the much-loved Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Parks. This is a significant decision, and it is important that it is fully and carefully considered.”

Comment: Page 12.