YORKSHIRE and Lancashire’s traditional rivalry has been put to one side as the area of landscape protected by the Yorkshire Dales’ national park status spreads across the border into Lancashire and Cumbria.

For more 60 years the boundary of the Yorkshire Dales was referred to as “unfinished business”, being drawn up on administrative and political boundaries that existed at the time.

People could be stood on the Howgills summit on the western edge of the park with one foot in the national park and one foot out.

But now all that has changed, because today the Yorkshire Dales is formally expanded by 24 per cent.

The Northern Echo: EXPANSION: The new and old boundaries of the Yorkshire Dales National Park

The new and old boundaries of the Yorkshire Dales National Park

The north western corner of the dales will now include villages such as Ravenstonedale and Orton in Cumbria, as well as the Howgill Fells. An extension to the west means the fells of Casterton, Leck and Barbon near Kirby Lonsdale will now be absorbed into the park, along with the popular Devil’s Bridge area.

The Lake District park is also being increased by three per cent.

In total the extensions will cover nearly 200 square miles – an area bigger than the Isle of Wight – and will create the largest stretch of almost continuous national park in England.

The Government says as well as protecting more countryside, the expansion will also boost rural tourism. More than £1.8bn is already generated by visitors to the two parks and extending the boundaries is expected to attract more to the region.

Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom said: “Today’s extension will virtually join up these precious natural assets, supporting the local economy, creating jobs and securing the area’s reputation as one of our country’s most attractive tourist destinations for generations to come.”

Some businesses and residents now living in the national park will see slightly stricter building controls on some property alterations such as roof extensions, cladding and some large garden buildings. But overall, increasing the size of the park is expected to potentially attract more visitors, create more jobs and boost local economies.

National parks contribute £4bn to the UK economy each year and the Yorkshire Dales alone attracts 9.3 million visitors every year.

Andrew Sells, chairman of Natural England, which is responsible for designating national park boundaries, said it was a “momentous day" for the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District.

He added:"The additional areas which now form part of each national park are very special places that deserve all the care and attention designation will bring.”

Some doubts had previously been expressed about the proposed expansion. North Yorkshire County Council and Richmondshire District Council were both against the plans.

Richmondshire district and county councillor, John Blackie, questioned the wisdom of spending millions on implementing the change at a time when authorities could not afford to run evening bus services and old people’s homes.

But the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) was in favour, saying the move would bring long-term benefits for the area.

It will also mean a much bigger government grant for the park.

Chairman of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, Carl Lis said: “I’m eternally grateful for the extraordinary work so many people have put in to make today a reality. The Government decision to extend the boundary is an illustration of how important national parks are to the people and to the fabric of this country.

“For the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, the hard work starts now. But through our passion for this special place, working alongside local people and businesses, we will ensure it remains a thriving area: its unique cultural landscape will be treasured for its stunning scenery, exceptional heritage and wonderful wildlife, and every year millions of people will be inspired to be a part of it.”

Work into extending the park began about ten years ago, when Friends of the Lake District produced a report entitled Forgotten Landscapes, prompting a government consultation began into extending the parks’ boundaries.

The group continued to campaign for the extension of the western part of the Yorkshire Dales. Its members were due to celebrate early this morning (Monday August 1) by watching the first dawn over the newly extended parks.