Public inquiry begins into plans to extend flagship national parks

A public inquiry has begun into plans to extend the boundaries of the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks.

The inquiry started yesterday after five local authorities raised objections to the plans, which would extend both areas to include an additional 162 square miles.

Areas including Mallerstang and Barbon would be brought into the Yorkshire Dales if the scheme is given the go-ahead, while Borrowdale would be added to the Lake District.

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Around 40 members of the public attended the first day of the hearing at the Castle Green Hotel in Kendal, which is expected to continue until next Friday, June 14.

Natural England agreed to the expansion plans in 2011 but objections were then raised by Cumbria, Lancashire and North Yorkshire County Councils and Eden and Richmondshire District Councils, who say the expansion could have a negative impact on rural communities.

When the inquiry has finished, an inspector will make a recommendation to the secretary of state for the Department for Environment, Food and Agricultural Affairs, who will then make the final decision.

A Natural England spokesperson said: “This is a significant decision and it is important that it is fully and carefully considered.”

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Wild land charity the John Muir Trust has also backed the plans.

Stuart Brooks, chief executive of the Trust, said: “Approval of these extensions would demonstrate that the Government is seriously committed to protecting the UK’s unique and precious landscapes.”