National park barn conversion plans to be scaled back

Planning Minister Nick Boles hinted the coalition is considering abandoning its proposals to allow the owners of empty barns and outhouses in national parks to convert them into up to three dwellings without the need for planning permission.

The proposal, unveiled last year as part of the Government’s shake-up of “permitted development” laws, has caused fury among national park bosses. The North York Moors National Park Authority said it “strongly objects”, due to the “harm” the proposal would inflict on the area.

The Yorkshire Dales authority said the plan would have “disastrous consequences”.

As MPs from across the country voiced their anger in the Commons, Mr Boles said the Government may now prefer to simply give “a stronger nudge” to national park authorities to allow barn and outbuilding conversions where appropriate, rather than bypassing planning altogether.

“This has been a genuine process of engagement with national parks and of understanding the particular issues,” Mr Boles said, stressing that no final decision had yet been taken.

“You know how much trouble I would get into if I were to presume to anticipate the conclusion of a Government decision-making process.

“I can, nevertheless, point to the fact that in other areas where we have introduced an extended permitted development right we have listened to the concerns raised and modified the original proposals.”

The Tory Minister suggested that simply providing new guidance for national park authorities may prove the best way forward.

“If the Government were to decide that the permitted development right should not apply to (national park) land, it would nevertheless be important to encourage national parks to be positive about proposals for conversions of agricultural buildings,” he said.

“The Government are considering the planning guidance.

“We may look at whether we can give a slightly stronger nudge to national park authorities in that guidance about being positive in their view, while nevertheless retaining the right to decide whether something should receive planning permission.”