TWO councils claim a Government ruling affecting the conversion of Dales farm buildings could threaten rural economic prospects.

The Craven Herald reported last week how the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles, had said that the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority would not have to conform automatically to a new initiative which removes the need for planning permission for the change of use of agricultural buildings to some kinds of commercial use.

The park authority issued an order which effectively ensured its scrutiny would still be needed for changes of use within the park - but North Yorkshire County Council and Richmondshire District Council challenged that decision.

The challenge has been rejected by Mr Pickles, who said national park authority members were particularly well placed to decide on local planning issues.

The ruling was welcomed by the park authority's chairman, Peter Charlesworth, who said it was 'a victory for localism'.

But Councillor Gareth Dadd, North Yorkshire County Council’s executive member for planning, said the ruling by Mr Pickles’ department was ‘very disappointing.’

He added: “I believe this places bureaucracy and officialdom in the way of job creation and rural sustainability. A large part of North Yorkshire is in the national parks – and the economic prosperity of the people who live there is as vital to them as it is to those who live in urban areas.”

Councillor John Blackie, leader of Richmondshire District Council, described the decision as 'deeply flawed'.

He said: “If you are a local Dales couple with a young family, relying on a herd of 120 cows producing milk at an uneconomical price per litre for your livelihood, then a really good new employment-generating enterprise, based in a converted barn, to make the milk profitable and allow you to stay in the Upper Dales where you were born and brought up is exactly what you need.”

Both councillors, however, emphasised that the work to maintain and improve economic prosperity in rural areas will remain a top priority for both authorities, and will seek to work in partnership with the national park to promote economic growth for rural communities through appropriate use of existing farm buildings and barns.

“Much is being done to provide the support necessary to ensure our rural communities can thrive,” said Councillor Dadd.

“Millions have been invested in the provision of superfast broadband services, for example, which will encourage and facilitate the development of new businesses and new opportunities. Both the district and the county councils have economic prosperity at the top of their agendas.”