Plans to enhance the special local character of parts of Sedbergh and Dent have been published online for public consultation.

Consultants were commissioned by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) to assess the quality of the built environment in the two conservation areas and to identify ways in which it could be improved in the future.

Now the consultants have produced appraisals of the conservation areas that take on board comments and ideas made by local residents.

Stuart Parsons, the YDNPA’s Member Champion for Conservation of Cultural Heritage, said: “We have been talking to local stakeholders including parish and district councils about the appraisals but this is the first time we have carried out a large-scale consultation using the internet. We hope it will generate a lot of comments.

“These are special places but they do not have to remain frozen in time.

“We want to hear what people think of the suggestions in the appraisals, which identify ways in which the special qualities of the two settlements can be looked after in the future.”

Robert White, the YDNPA’s Senior Conservation Archaeologist, said: “There are so many elements that go together to make a place special – anything from historically and architecturally important buildings or sites to the way in which the buildings, other structures and the spaces between them fit together and contribute to the character of the place.

“There are 37 conservation areas within the National Park and we have a rolling programme of reviews to ensure that each has an up-to-date character appraisal and management plan.

“Over the new few weeks, we will be adding appraisals for Langcliffe, Farfield Mill and the Settle-Carlisle Railway and others will follow during the year.“

The appraisals for Dent and Sedbergh can be found at www.yorkshiredales.org.uk and comments should be submitted to the YDNPA by the end of February so that a report can be considered at the Authority’s March meeting.