Planning

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority is responsible for considering applications for planning permission.

Because we are a National Park, we have to meet special aims or 'purposes' set out by law. These are as follows:

• to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage
• to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the Park by the public.

In realising these purposes we have a duty to to seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities.

Not only do we have to meet the needs of those who live, visit and work in the National Park now, but we have to protect and maintain the very things that make this area special.

This section of our website explains the planning process, tells you when you need to apply for planning permission and how to do this, explains how planning decisions are made and enforced and how you can appeal against these.  You can also check the progress of a planning application.  For information about the role of Planning Committee, dates of meetings and committee papers visit our Planning Committee section and for policy details visit Planning policy.

Our aim is to provide you with a personalised service. To find out who to contact about planning issues, visit Contact us.