THE couple at the centre of a planning wrangle which has prompted residents to call for a change of national park policy have spoken of their surprise and delight at the weight of support from the community.

Hundreds of people have signed a petition calling for a change of heart and a policy review, to be presented to the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority on Tuesday.

David Winspear and his partner Sharon Spensley were overjoyed when the authority twice approved their proposals to convert a barn near Hawes into a home for themselves and their three young children.

But their joy turned to dismay when the planning committee did a U-turn.

Now Mr Winspear, a builder, and Miss Spensley say they may have to move from the area because they are unable to afford the high property prices.

The barn conversion at Cams House, High Abbotside, would have provided a home for them and their children - two-year-old Luke and twin girls born in November and due home in the next few days - to rent in perpetuity.

"I am amazed at how much support there has been for us in the community over this," said Mr Winspear. "Most people round here think the way this has been handled is terrible but I am still amazed at the number of signatures on the petition."

Coun John Blackie, chairman of Hawes and High Abbotside Parish Council, said he anticipated that half the population of Hawes and High Abbotside - about 500 people - could have signed by the time the petition is presented.

However, Mr Winspear was not confident that the weight of public opinion would be sufficient to change the authority's stance on the matter.

"I don't think this appeal will change anyone's minds because we are dealing with the national park here," he said.

"As to where we go from here, I have no idea at the moment. The twins are likely to be home from hospital shortly and we will then be a family of five; we are going to need somewhere to live. We just can't afford to buy a house and our options are limited."

* Letters to the Editor: page 24