Public inquiry into National Park Expansion Begins

The public inquiry over plans to expand the size of the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales National Parks began this week. Natural England has agreed plans to extend both areas to encompass an additional 162 sq miles (420 sq km) between the two parks.

The public inquiry was required after five local authorities objected. About 40 members of the public were attending the first day of the inquiry, which is expected to continue until 14th June.

Following its conclusion, an inspector will make a recommendation to the secretary of state for the Department for Environment, Food and Agricultural Affairs, who will then make the final decision.

The areas under consideration for inclusion into the Yorkshire Dales National Park are:

• Middleton, Barbon, Casterton and Leck Fells, part of the Firbank Fell, part of the Lune Valley and fells to the west (east and north of Kirkby Lonsdale)
• Firbank Fell (west of Sedbergh)
• Northern Howgill Fells, Wild Boar Fell and Mallerstang (south of Kirby Stephen), and
• Part of the Orton Fells (north east of Tebay)

• Birkbeck Fells Common, Bretherdale, Borrowdale, Whinfell, Grayrigg and Dillicare Commons and adjacent land (area between the A6 and M6)
• and Hesington Barrows to Sizergh Fell and part of the Lyth Valley (areas between Brigsteer and Levens villages south east of Kendal).

You can find more details and maps here on the Campaign for National Parks web site.

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