HOUSING development areas in the Yorkshire Dales are being more tightly drawn around villages, the Association of Rural Communities (ARC) has claimed.

A spokesman said boundary lines shown in the park authority's local plan have been tightened, and in some cases cut through people's gardens.

Barns and other buildings which could be converted into homes for local people were also being excluded in some cases.

"Yet the national park authority agreed this year that, where possible, the line should follow physical features. These would include walls, fences and roads," he said.

A spokesman for the national park authority said: "In this draft local plan we have identified far more land for development than in the previous plan. The lines that have been drawn give the potential for 700 new buildings or conversions over the five-year plan.

"That is greatly in excess of demand and vastly increases the scope for affordable housing."

He said that lines cutting through gardens were to safeguard against further development.

ARC supported the authority's policy of meeting the housing needs of local people.

A spokesman for the Yorkshire Dales National Park said it had taken details to parish councils, parish forums and public meetings and published details in the media and its own community news sheet.

He urged people to look at the proposed draft, available for inspection at national park offices and at parish councils, and comment by noon on Wednesday.

Following the current consultation, a second draft plan will be prepared and sent for further consultation.