Park extension plans attacked as 'unneccessary and extravagant' as fears grow for loss of regional identity

A BID to dramatically extend the Yorkshire Dales National Park’s boundaries has been condemned as “unnecessary and extravagant” amid growing fears that it could lead to the iconic name being lost forever.

Hugely contentious proposals to incorporate part of Lancashire and more of Cumbria into the national park have provoked grave concerns that the Yorkshire Dales could be re-branded to accommodate the North-West.

The latest wave of condemnation surfaced yesterday, when North Yorkshire County Council’s leader John Weighell launched an attack on a consultation by Natural England about the boundary proposals.

He stressed the county council had strong reservations as the proposed new areas do not share the “distinctive landscape and cultural character” of the Yorkshire Dales.

Coun Weighell also claimed that the consultation, including a 36-page glossy brochure and a dozen double-sided full colour maps, should not have been launched while public sector funding is under intense strain in the wake of the recession.

He added: “In this time of austerity, with all the pressures which exist on critical frontline public services, the county council regards the consultation proposals as both unnecessary and extravagant.”

The Yorkshire Post revealed worries earlier this month over dramatically increasing the size of the national park, which already covers 680 square miles.

The proposals to extend the boundaries further into Cumbria and include a small part of Lancashire could see the national park’s size increase by nearly a quarter.

Coun John Blackie, who represents North Yorkshire County Council on the national park authority, also raised concerns that local democracy will be undermined as members representing Yorkshire Dales communities could be replaced by councillors from local authorities in Lancashire and Cumbria.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted that North Yorkshire County Council has shown such serious concerns about the proposals, and I would hope that Natural England and the Government take notice of what is such a key organisation within the national park.

“People are so passionate about the Yorkshire Dales, and they believe the national park should be kept the way it is to preserve something that is so fundamental to the region’s identity.”

Natural England announced plans at the end of last year to include a series of beauty spots in both Cumbria and Lancashire within the boundaries of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

However, a spokeswoman stressed that the proposals did not include a change of name. She added the plans are aimed at “investing in the future of these stunning landscapes”.

The consultation will continue until next month and the results will inform any decision that Natural England makes.

Confirmation of any new boundaries would then be subject to approval by the Environment Secretary, currently Leeds Central MP Hilary Benn, and the proposals could go to a public inquiry.

If the boundary changes are approved, they will be brought in during 2012 at the earliest.