A BLUEPRINT which will govern the development of a national park could include a policy which will allow planners more leeway when it comes to the conversion of agricultural buildings.

Controversy has surrounded Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority's current position since a Wensleydale couple were refused permission to redevelop a barn to accommodate their growing family.

The bitter dispute has led to claims that people with roots in the region are finding it increasingly difficult to find permanent homes, while planning policies are slanted towards the creation of holiday accommodation.

The park authority's new local plan - which will act as a template for all future planning decisions - has already recognised the problem to some degree.

If it is adopted, Dales residents will be given preference when it comes to the sale of properties new to the market, making it harder for those from outside the region to buy houses which they can then rent out to holidaymakers.

However, a working group will now study suggestions for a second draft of the far-reaching document - and one of the amendments is that the authority should reconsider policies which govern the conversion of barns into affordable housing.

Others include ideas to create jobs in the area and to facilitate farm diversification.