NATIONAL park designation is Britain’s highest level of official landscape protection. Such protection may be far from perfect, but it ensures that Government bodies, local planning authorities and statutory agencies go through more rigorous planning processes than otherwise would occur, with a strong presumption against intrusive, major urban or industrial development.

Given huge pressures, for example for large scale housing development along the A65 corridor and down both the Aire and Wharfe valleys towards Steeton, Addingham, and Menston, not to mentioned repeated wind farm and quarrying applications, there is reason to be thankful that within the national park boundary at least our finest Dales landscapes are safeguarded from urbanisation.

So when, after a rigorous process of consultation and public inquiry, Natural England – the Government body in charge of landscape designation – recommended that the boundaries of the two national parks on the edge of Craven into Cumbria should be extended to protect the stunning landscapes east of the Lake District and north of the Yorkshire Dales National Parks, there was reason for celebration. This would ensure protection for the magnificent east Cumbrian Fells, including the Lune Valley, the northern Howgills, Mallerstang and, north of the A685, the beautiful limestone Orton Fells.

Absurdities such as old local Government boundaries dividing the northern Howgill Fells or excluding epic landscapes such as Wild Boar Fell or Mallerstang Edge, would, after 60 years, finally be swept away. Support from local communities in what used to be old Westmorland is strong, even though it is conceded these areas should not be called Yorkshire Dales. There was overwhelming, democratic support for these proposals, with opposition limited to one or two wealthy landowners and local politicians. Local MP Rory Stewart, who represents Penrith and The Borders, and is also Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Environment, is extremely supportive.

The advantages of national park status are enormous. First and foremost in all but the most exceptional circumstances, such areas are safeguarded from major development – new roads, quarries, urban and industrial development. By creating and promoting areas for quiet, health giving outdoor exercise and enjoyment, especially walking and cycling, they offer desperately needed sanctuaries for urban dwellers to enjoy quiet outdoor recreation. By attracting more caring visitors from other parts of the UK and overseas, they create new business opportunities in small towns and villages to meet visitor needs for food, accommodation, services, as well as supporting existing businesses such as shops, garages, transport. Farmers can receive more support through agro-environment schemes. Unique cultural heritages can be celebrated and safeguarded by both professional and voluntary expertise that national parks status encourages. National parks protect essential natural assets such as water catchment, native woodlands, biodiversity, wildlife habitats and carbon-capturing peat moorland.

Research proves that areas within national parks are more prosperous than comparative rural areas outside their boundaries. This is not just areas within their boundaries, but crucially towns on the edge of the protected landscapes, such as Kirkby Lonsdale and Kirkby Stephen, that will receive an important economic boost.

Two years ago, an independent inspector gave Natural England’s proposals strong endorsement. An announcement from Government was expected within weeks. Yet despite strong, continual representations from the Campaign for National Parks, supported by both the Friends of the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales Society, Government has done nothing whatsoever to take forward the recommendations.

There can only be two explanations for this delay. One is financial. With 40 per cent cuts to funding of national parks, the extensions to the two parks would mean increased financial commitment which at a time of massive public sector cuts is not on the agenda. This would expose the Government’s lack for commitment to any kind of green or environmental agenda. Did not a certain Prime Minister once promise “the greenest Government ever?”

But more cynically, both the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District lie in that far off land, north of the M25, in a place called Northern England. Anyone who visits London with its forest of cranes dominating every skyline, and huge new tunnels for the £15bn Cross-Rail network, will be aware of the massive investment – public and private – that is now taking place.

Despite of all the rhetoric about Northern Powerhouses, when it comes to real decisions about investment in the north – whether to modernise the dilapidated railways or prevent the wholesale withdrawal of rural bus networks - the Government appears to have little no interest. Yet among the greatest assets of both Yorkshire and Cumbria are our great landscapes and cultural heritage, which bring many millions of visitors to Britain. Our national parks are not unaffordable luxury, but contribute massively to the quality of life and economic posterity of the region.

By slashing national park budgets and refusing to act on the boundary extension proposals in the Lakes and Dales, Government appears to show lack of understanding of the needs and wishes of people of the region. This is something elected representatives of all parties should work together to change. Priorities must be properly understood and articulated. And it will be a popular decision for any politician, anxious to win friends.

Our Yorkshire MPs need to listen to, and work together with the leading environmental groups throughout the region, to ensure that our national parks – a priceless national asset - are adequately funded and protected. The first step is an immediate decision on that too long unfinished business in the Howgills and Westmorland Fells.