NATURAL England's move to enclose an ecologically important Eden fellside, which would have restricted access and farming activity, has been blocked in a landmark ruling.

The agency planned to fence of the area near Ravenstonedale, known as Fell End Clouds, but this has now been overruled by the Planning Inspectorate.

Penrith and the Border MP Rory Stewart described the decision as "a genuine victory of national significance" after months of campaigning by locals, including Eden councillor Libby Bateman.

Mr Stewart, who lobbied against enclosure at government level, said it was the first time that an application of this nature had been refused with no recourse to re-apply.

The Planning Inspectorate said that Fell End Clouds, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), could be managed in an ecological way through traditional shepherding.

Mr Stewart said: "This is a genuine victory of national significance, showing the power of local common sense. I first visited Fell End Clouds in 2013 when the idea to introduce a fence around the area was first being explored.

"Local residents were deeply worried about the proposal as they felt it would be damaging to the visual amenity and restrictive for farming practices and recreational enjoyment. I have always supported their stance.

"Dr Helga Frankland, the scientist who originally designated the site as a SSSI, told me that she felt the scientific evidence behind the proposal was very sketchy and there was no firm guarantee that it would achieve the desired objective.

"Dr Frankland has continued to argue against the case for a fence instead favouring the creation of smaller trial areas to evidence the benefit exclusion of sheep would bring."

"I'm interested to hear the planning inspectors' comments about using traditional shepherding to reduce the sheep numbers on Fell End Clouds, instead of erecting a fence. Creating employment and preserving skills has to be an opportunity worth investigating."

Natural England have no right of appeal against this decision, although they do have the option to take it to a judicial review if it were felt of value and in the public interest to do so.