Just imagine the landscapes of Upper Wharfedale and Swaledale with their hundreds of small, isolated field barns being transformed into houses… the whole landscape would be decimated with driveways, parking and connecting roads…
In late 2023, we co-signed a letter from the national charity, Campaign for National Parks (CNP) to the Secretary of State for Levelling-Up seeking assurance of the Government’s commitment to retaining the Permitted Development Rights (PDR) exemptions that apply in Protected Landscapes. We also wrote to the 20 MPs from within and bordering the Yorkshire Dales National Park, reiterating that even small changes would have a disproportionate impact on the area, leading to the development of isolated dwellings in unsustainable locations, adding significant pressures in terms of water pollution, light pollution and traffic.
We are now thrilled to share the news that in response to this campaigning the Government has confirmed that Protected Landscapes will continue to be exempt from measures which allow for agricultural buildings to be converted to residential use without the need for planning permission.
This is fantastic news as removing this exemption would be damaging to the environment, making it much harder to ensure that National Parks contribute more towards the30x30 target (the worldwide goal to protect 30% of land and water by 2030) as well as undermining National Park Authorities policies aimed at ensuring local people are prioritised for new housing in National Parks.