National treasure

IT is encouraging that Richard Benyon, the Environment Minister, has recognised the financial contribution that Britain’s national parks – including the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and Peak District – make to the economy.

By The Newsroom

Published 23rd May 2013, 09:12 BST

In response to a report revealing how these treasured landscapes generate up to £6.3bn a year through tourism and rural businesses, Mr Benyon notes: “Our national parks are the most treasured places in the country.”

He is right. Yet what is perplexing to those farmers, businesses and residents who work tirelessly to protect these parks is that every minister does not share Mr Benyon’s view, particularly those introducing streamlined planning laws. Change should not be discouraged.

Quite the opposite. The rural economy needs to evolve and David Heath, the Farming Minister, is right to highlight its potential as a growth industry, but future changes need to compliment existing developments rather than be allowed to become expensive and obtrusive blots on the landscape.