The body that represents farmers and rural businesses wants planning protection for its members when the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District expand.
The borders of the National Parks are being brought closer together, taking in extra areas of South Cumbria and North Lancashire.
Landowners in those areas will face very different rules if they want to build or change their properties.
The Country Land And Business Association is calling on Defra for a transitional period where people who've just been given or are seeking planning permission aren't unfairly disadvantaged when the boundaries move.
CLA President Ross Murray met with Defra Secretary Liz Truss this week to formally request a transitional order on the planning arrangements.
He said: “There are farmers, landowners and businesses in the affected areas that have made plans for developments that will bring much needed investment in to the area. However, as it stands, their rights to develop these buildings will be lost as National Park Status comes into being in August.
“We’re asking the Secretary of State to create a set of rules that will allow developments, already in the planning process, to go ahead within a prescribed time frame. We do not think that either the Lake District of Yorkshire Dales Authorities have anything to fear from allowing the Secretary of State to grant these buildings a transitional right to complete their developments.”
Jane and Gary Allan run a welding and fabrication business at Killington near Kirkby Lonsdale. They are currently in a state of limbo over a planning application to extend their workshop, which had been approved by South Lakeland District Council prior to the announcement of the park extension.
Jane said: “We’ve already put the footings in for the extension but have no idea if we can proceed any further. We employ four people and this uncertainty and confusion is very damaging for the business. We desperately need some clarity on the situation.”
Tom Woof, Head of Planning at H&H Land and Property and local planning consultant said: “I’m really pleased the CLA have taken the lead on this issue. Transitional arrangements are set out in National Park legislation and are for the Secretary of State to enable a smooth transfer from one regime to another.
“While they affect only a relatively small geographical area, it is vital that those who have longer term plans and invested in developing their business are able to see their plans through to fruition.”