A DESIGN guide which will shape all future developments in a national park has been drawn up.

The document sets out the general principles for the design of properties in the North York Moors and is the first of a five-part guide that will eventually cover everything from alterations to houses, to trees and landscaping, and to new agricultural buildings.

It has been produced to provide information and advice to property owners, developers, agents and builders. The guide will also be used by authority members and planning officers in deciding planning applications.

It is in draft form at present, but could be adopted by the middle of next year.

The authority's planning committee will discuss the document on Thursday. Members will be asked to comment on the guide and endorse it so that consultation work can get under way.

Councillor John Fletcher, chairman of the authority, said: "The purpose of this design guide is to help protect the intrinsic qualities of the park, but not to the extent that it unreasonably restricts the development process that is vital to the future viability and prosperity of our communities.

"However, we do wish to ensure that new development sits comfortably and adds to the quality of the existing built and natural environment and does not erode the very qualities that make it such a special place to begin with.

"The design guide will help shape future development within the national park."

The document aims to promote higher standards in design throughout the national park.

Its opening section states: "There is concern that a standardised and 'safe' approach to the design of new development is being adopted in the park in order to secure planning consents with the minimum of inconvenience and delay.

"The use of a standard range of traditional building features is resulting in a ubiquitous park "style" which does not reflect the subtle variations in the landscape and building characteristics across the area.

"It is also diluting the distinctive qualities of the national park. This results in a lack of good contemporary design and produces a deficit in the built heritage for future generations."