Planning rules change could blot landscape

THE Peak District National Park is appealing for exemption from planning reforms that could affect a key local beauty spot and tourist haven.

Dovestone and Saddleworth moor are in the national park and officials are unanimous in opposing Government planning reforms to allow farm buildings to be converted to housing, schools or nurseries without planning permission.

The Government is consulting planning authorities across England on its proposals to allow the conversion — or demolition — of farm buildings to create up to three houses or a state school or nursery. This follows recent changes which allow farm buildings to be converted into shops or offices.

Peak District National Park authority chairman Tony Favell said: “These proposals would have a lasting impact on the landscape and heritage of national parks. These proposals would seriously undermine one of our main statutory purposes and diminish local control of the management of national parks.

“It’s not that we oppose the reuse of redundant farm buildings — far from it. We are able to do that case by case. But this would just lead to wholesale uncontrolled development.”

All the national park authorities in England are voicing strong objections. National Parks England, which represents all English national park authorities, is submitting a joint plea.