THE Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority is to review is planning procedures following a report from the District Auditor which praised some of its policies - but also pointed out improvements that could be made in some areas.

Planning has always been a controversial issue in the park and, in the past, has brought sharp criticism from many local residents - a feeling which led to the formation of bodies like the Association of Rural Communities (ARC) designed to lobby for more a more tolerant attitude towards small planning matters like house extensions or the expansion of small business properties.

The park planning committee today welcomed the audit report, called Probity in Planning, and announced new measures action to strengthen planning procedures. They will include:

• A clear code for members when visiting the location of a proposed development site

• An annual register of declaration of interests of both Authority members and officers

• A code of conduct for members on dealing with lobbying

• And a revised programme of member training.

Chief Executive David Butterworth commented: "The report identifies where we can strengthen our planning process and we will be acting on the report's conclusions.

"The Authority has accepted the District Audit's recommendations in full and we will now work up proposals to make improvements where needed and make the planning process at this Authority among the best in the country."