Yorkshire Dales

We very much support the commercial re-use of barns, as part of improving the viability of local farm businesses and creating local jobs. Since 2006, 88 per cent of all such applications have been approved, and there are good examples dotted around the National Park. The remoteness of the location and the absence of worthwhile broadband have been bigger barriers to development than our policies.

As part of the development of our new local plan, we have given a very clear indication that we will be looking for our new policies to be even more flexible. These policies will give effect to the objectives that we and our partners, including all three district councils, set out in the national park management plan last year.

This park is unique in terms of the density of the barns and the sheer number of buildings located outside of farmsteads, in open countryside and often a considerable distance from a highway. This is a fundamental part of the distinctive landscape on which a multi-million pound tourism industry and thousands of jobs depend. What happens to the barns here matters more than it does elsewhere.

The Article 4 direction we are proposing would not stop commercial development. It simply requires developers to continue to seek planning permission, which in most cases will still be granted.

However, without it there will be no way to prevent occasional proposals that would cause significant harm to the scenic quality of the Dales; the economic viability and vitality of existing retail or commercial centres; or to residential amenity.

We also think our local communities ought to have a say — through the planning process — on developments that could significantly affect them.

Information is available on our website at yorkshiredales.org.uk/planning/pla nningpolicy#

Peter Charlesworth chairman, Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.