National Parks Extended

Extensions to the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Parks have been approved.  The Dales area will grow by 24% to the north and west of the current area.  The Lake District will take in 3% extra land to the east.  This means the boundaries of the parks will almost adjoin each other either side of the M6 north of Kendal.  The total increase in designated land is equivalent to an area the size of the Isle of Wight.  Responsibility for planning matters in these areas will shift from Local Authorities to the Park Authorities.  There are fears that this will stifle development.