Boundary Changes - The Yorkshire Dales National Park

Plans to extend the boundaries of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and add another 162 square miles of land to it have been welcomed by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) Natural England proposed that the boundaries of both the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District National Parks should be enlarged to absorb different areas of land sandwiched between them.

The Board of Natural England today (Sept 28) announced the long-awaited decision that will see the inclusion in the Yorkshire Dales National Park of:

• to the north, parts of the Orton Fells, the northern Howgill Fells, Wild Boar Fell and Mallerstang and
• to the west, Barbon, Middleton, Casterton and Leck Fells, the River Lune and part of Firbank Fell and other fells to the west of the river.

The area covered by the National Park will increase from 680sq miles to 842sq miles. David Butterworth, the YDNPA’s Chief Executive, said: "We are delighted that Natural England’s Board is now taking forward the process to extend the boundary of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.  "The farmers and landowners who, for generations, have lived and worked in these places have helped create the great natural beauty and many special qualities that visitors enjoy today – and that make the areas worthy of National Park status.　

"We believe these areas have many unifying features and characteristics such as the Settle Carlisle line, limestone pavements and hay meadows, as well as similar community issues such as affordable housing, access to services and sustainable communities – issues that resonate with the existing National Park.　　　

"As part of this process, Natural England has undertaken extensive consultation and we are delighted that it shows that the majority of residents who responded are enthusiastic about the proposals and recognise the many and varied benefits that designation will bring.

"It’s a real victory for common sense in looking at National Park boundaries in terms of the quality of the landscape rather than outmoded and short-term administrative or political issues."　

"We now look to the Government to recognise the points we made in our submission regarding providing the necessary funding to allow us to manage the new areas and to ensure appropriate representation for local communities on the National Park Authority."

Variation orders officially making the changes are likely to be submitted to Defra in January.