Campaigners are piling more pressure on the government to make its decision on the future of the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales national park boundaries.
More than four years ago, Natural England proposed that the boundaries should be widened, to bring the two parks closer together.
A public inquiry was launched after five local authorities objected to the proposals, but still, no decision has been made.
Local people fear the lack of a decision from the government is affecting property prices and planning issues.
Fiona Howie, Chief Executive of the Campaign for National Parks, says she is extremely frustrated by the ongoing delay: "Landscapes and cultural heritage are among the greatest assets of both Yorkshire and Cumbria, bringing millions of visitors to Britain.
“There is considerable public support for the extensions and the evidence was clear that the areas being considered should become part of the National Parks. The Government must take positive action and confirm that these beautiful and important areas are designated.”
Shaun Spiers, chief executive of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), said: “At a time when the Chancellor is blaming slow planning for holding back infrastructure, it beggars belief that the Government has spent two years not coming to a decision on the Lakes-Dales National Park extension. What on earth is causing this hold up?
“The Government has great plans for ensuring that our generation leave the natural environment in a better state than we found it. What better way to start by uniting these iconic landscapes? Now.”
Douglas Chalmers, Director Friends of the Lake District, said: “The Government has been delivering its election promises on the economy – so why won’t they deliver on the environment? The Conservative manifesto said they would 'put in place stronger protections for our natural landscapes… so that this remains the most beautiful country in the world.' What stronger protection could they put in place than confirming the extensions of the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks.
“It is very frustrating that we are now two years past the Public Inquiry that was to decide whether or not to extend the Parks’ boundaries. Friends of the Lake District played a major role in that Inquiry and it is hard to believe that we still await a decision after such a significant amount of time and effort was invested by ourselves, other organisations, individuals and even by Government itself.”
Mark Corner, Yorkshire Dales Society Chairman, added: “The absence of an explanation as to why this decision has not been taken is unacceptable and, frankly, pathetic. Clarity and honesty from government on the matter would show some respect to the vast majority of people who want the extension to happen so that this majestic part of our country can benefit from the protection and enhancement that National Park designation would give it."
The areas under consideration for inclusion into the Yorkshire Dales National Park area:
• Middleton, Barbon, Casterton and Leck Fells, part of the Firbank Fell, part of the Lune Valley and fells to the west (east and north) of Kirkby Lonsdale
• Firbank Fell (west of Sedbergh)
• Northern Howgill Fells, Wild Boar Fell and Mallerstang (south of Kirby Stephen) and
• Part of the Orton Fells (north east of Tebay).
The areas under consideration for inclusion into the Lake District National Park are:
• Birkbeck Fells Common, Bretherdale, Borrowdale, Whinfell, Grayrigg and Dillicare Commons and adjacent land (area between the A6 and M6), and
• Hesington Barrows to Sizergh Fell and part of the Lyth Valley (areas between Brigsteer and Levens villages south east of Kendal).