The CLA is urging people who live and work in the area covered by the proposed extension to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Park Boundaries, to be sure of how the changes could affect them before responding to the consultation being undertaken by Natural England.

Douglas Chalmers, Director CLA North, says that National Park status will have an effect on everyone in different ways. And, whilst designation can sound attractive, it might provide few benefits and could harm rural businesses.

Mr Chalmers said: “Designation as a National Park sounds attractive to some, but threatening to others. Everyone affected needs to be aware of the real opportunities and risks to their own land, property and business. The area in question is a dynamic, working landscape which has been actively managed by agriculture, forestry and rural businesses. The environment deemed worthy of special status has been delivered by the private sector, and some of them will ask, “Why do we need to change?”

“Landowners will want to be sure that environmental considerations will not be the only driver in future policy decisions, to the detriment of the local economy and social needs. Tourism will be cited as a real source of inward investment, but with jobs in this sector traditionally seasonal and low paid we must look at the rural economy as a whole. Which other economic activities will be encouraged? Any measures that threaten rural enterprise and sustainable jobs for local people will not be good for the area. I would also worry that the housing market becomes even more inaccessible to locals.

"The term 'National Park' conjures up different images to different people. We must make it clear that it should not be a wilderness hosting unfettered recreation. The vast majority of land within the proposed extension is privately owned, and those owners must not have their ability to run their farms and businesses adversely affected.

“We are not being negative for the sake of it. The CLA is a membership organisation, and I know that our Members will have views on both sides of the debate. We are simply stressing that all sides are heard before a decision is taken that will affect farmers, landowners and rural businesses for generations to come.

“Therefore we urge people to consider how change would affect them, by attending one of the widely publicised meetings, or by visiting the website www.lakestodaleslandscapes.org.uk which has full details of the consultation and forthcoming local events.

“CLA Members may of course make their concerns known to us, and we will incorporate them in our own response.

“Part of the area in question could be described as Cumbria’s shop window. Many people who never stop and support local businesses will have enjoyed this landscape from their vehicles as they speed through the County. If being in a National Park makes them stop in the future, then this will be a benefit, but I suppose my major concern is that this land would be controlled to suit what we think visitors would like, and not managed to suit those who live and work here.”