Sir – I refer to the letter from D Dean of Threshfield regarding the Grassington House Hotel (Craven Herald, October 31).

Your readers will know that the National Park was created to conserve the landscape, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Dales while providing opportunities for all to enjoy it.

The National Park Authority recognises that it is largely local communities and businesses who will help to achieve those aims and keep the National Park a thriving area.

However, it is not always easy to please everyone.

The case of Grassington House Hotel is a good example of this.

The hotel is a listed building, protected by law for its historic and architectural interest.

The current owners have attached a large metal extraction flue, new signs, railings, a fire escape, and undertaken other alterations – all without seeking the planning consent that is required for such works wherever you are in the country. In the context of a listed building, these works are not ‘minor details’. The authority has made considerable efforts over several years to work with the owners to find reasonable solutions that will allow this successful business to continue to thrive while protecting what is special about the building.

I am pleased to say I am very hopeful that a solution has now been found.

Richard Graham, Head of Development Management Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority