The Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks have been extended by 188 square miles following a recommendation from Natural England back in 2009. Following the recommendation, a public inquiry was launched and over 3,000 representations were received. The plans to extend the National Parks were, however, approved.
The extension of the National Parks sees an increase of 24% of the Yorkshire Dales, and an increase of 3% of the Lake District. Policy officer Alison Lax said: "These areas have always been special and valued in Cumbria, but now it adds a level of national recognition. It's unfinished business, as they really should have been part of the parks in the first place. The landscape's qualities are on a par with everything that was included in the parks previously."
This also has some implications for planning. Planning decisions in National Parks are taken by National Park Authorities, which act as the local planning authority for the protected areas. And whilst this extension in the National Park ensures that their natural beauty has a higher level of protection, it could lead to tighter restrictions on new developments in the newly designated areas.
Whilst the reaction to this news has been mixed, some are still trying to come to terms with the fact that the Yorkshire Dales National Park actually, now, extends into Lancashire and Cumbria. However, the name of the National Park will not be changed.
