A LEADING rural land expert has warned extending national park boundaries in the Lakes and Dales next year will have 'unintended consequences' for farmers and landowners.

Tom Woof, head of planning at H&H Land and Property, said while park expansion had 'brought much excitement', there were issues that 'have not been fully considered'.

“There will be some unintended consequences of the expansion of the two national parks, for those who are applying for, or are already underway, with exercising their Class Q development right to change an agricultural building to a dwelling.

"Essentially the development right will expire on August 1, 2016, in the expanded national park areas. These rights are not the same as planning consents which can persist after the national parks are expanded.

"So any work that has not been completed by August 1 will become unlawful and could be subject to enforcement action by the national park authorities.”

However, Mr Woof wsaid the Environment Act gives the Secretary of State the powers to make Transitional Provisions, meaning arrangements can be made to smooth the transition from not being a National Park to being one.

He said: “The problem that we have now is that time is moving on, and people considering investing time and money into the exercising these rights really need to know as soon as possible whether any provision will be made for those already in the process when the national parks expand on August 1. The Government needs to act quickly with publishing their regulations in order that any confusion over the way this process will be managed can be minimised.

“If sensible provisions are not made there could be considerable confusion for farmers and landowners seeking these rights, and for potential purchasers and their solicitors who hope to invest in these properties."