PLANNING rules are due to be tightened amid fears the character of a dales town is being eroded.

Middleham, in Wensleydale, is mentioned in the Domesday Book, and its Georgian buildings and castle attract thousands of visitors each year.

However, community leaders say the town's character is in endanger of being reduced by "ill-considered improvements" to the outside of properties.

At a meeting on Tuesday, Richmondshire councillors will discuss whether an Article 4(2) direction should be applied to the existing Middleham Conservation Area.

This means residents would have to submit a planning application for alterations previously allowed to go ahead without permission.

Middleham Mayor Tammi Tolhurst said the town deserved to be preserved.

"My personal bugbear is 300-year-old cottages fitted with plastic windows," she said.

"People should still be allowed to improve their homes - but let's just make sure the improvements are in keeping.

"The majority of people who responded to a consultation were very much in favour that we retain the character and look of our relatively unique community."

Of the 33 residents who responded to the consultation, 24 supported the introduction of tighter regulations.

One resident described the move as "an excellent idea that should have been implemented years ago".

Of the nine residents who objected, one said Middleham was already spoilt and another said there were already too many restrictions.

Council officers are recommending the direction be approved.

David Elliott said in a report to councillors: "Evidence in terms of the incidence of inappropriate alterations carried out under permitted development rights, during recent years, would support the town council's view that the character of Middleham is being eroded.

"Having regard to the comments received, coupled with the original request from Middleham Town Council, I am minded to conclude that substantial support exists for the introduction of an Article 4(2) direction."

If approved, the regulations would not apply retrospectively.

This would mean residents would not have to change alternations they had already carried out.